X
  • 2020
  • PG
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 39 m
  • 2020
  • PG
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 39 m

Summary Alice is a reclusive writer, resigned to a solitary life on the seaside cliffs of Southern England while World War II rages across the channel. When she opens her front door one day to find she’s to adopt a young London evacuee named Frank, she’s resistant. It’s not long, however, before the two realize they have more in common in their ...

Directed By: Jessica Swale

Written By: Jessica Swale

  • 2020
  • PG
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 39 m
  • 2020
  • PG
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 39 m

Summerland

Metascore Mixed or Average Based on 22 Critic Reviews
56
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 17 User Ratings
6.7
My Score
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Where to Watch

Summary Alice is a reclusive writer, resigned to a solitary life on the seaside cliffs of Southern England while World War II rages across the channel. When she opens her front door one day to find she’s to adopt a young London evacuee named Frank, she’s resistant. It’s not long, however, before the two realize they have more in common in their ...

Directed By: Jessica Swale

Written By: Jessica Swale

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 22 Critic Reviews
56
50% Positive
11 Reviews
45% Mixed
10 Reviews
5% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 22 Critic Reviews
56
50% Positive
11 Reviews
45% Mixed
10 Reviews
5% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
88
Jul 29, 2020
It's a refreshing spin on this type of film that's usually quite white and heteronormative.
By Katie Walsh FULL REVIEW
75
Jul 30, 2020
While much of what Swale has crafted here is familiar, the film’s loving tone and Arterton’s compelling performance recommend it, and the result is a warm drama never afraid of a little magic.
By Kate Erbland FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 17 User Ratings
6.7
59% Positive
10 Ratings
29% Mixed
5 Ratings
12% Negative
2 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 17 User Ratings
6.7
59% Positive
10 Ratings
29% Mixed
5 Ratings
12% Negative
2 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
10
Porter11
Aug 6, 2020
Heartwarming and delightful. Summerland provides us the diversity that we all wish to see while telling a beautiful tale about love and hardships.
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9
Shuliita5
Aug 5, 2020
Beautiful in every possible aspect. What an actress is Gemma!Best of 2020 so far in this category.
Report
63
Aug 19, 2020
Summerland may not be the greatest show on Earth, but it is firmly Arterton’s show – and deserves more attention than most anyone on these shores will likely give it.
By Barry Hertz FULL REVIEW
60
Jul 30, 2020
Strong on lush cinematography, period knitwear and sincerity, but less effective in terms of historical plausibility, the mostly second world war-set drama Summerland is a mixed bag – a blend of fizzy sherbet lemons and humbug.
By Leslie Felperin FULL REVIEW
50
Jul 30, 2020
Ms. Arterton gets to play a few scenes worthy of her art before the film turns into a milking machine designed to wring feelings from a link between past and present that, once again, amounts to a construct.
By Joe Morgenstern FULL REVIEW
50
Jul 27, 2020
Summerland is very pretty, and bursts with affection for its gently befuddled characters, but for all its eager charms, streaming like colored pennants from every turret, it’s a castle in the air.
By Jessica Kiang FULL REVIEW
38
Jul 27, 2020
Throughout, the film’s characters exhibit little life outside of their moments of tragedy and symbolic connections.
By Jake Cole FULL REVIEW
See All 22 Critic Reviews
9
walkerlister04
Aug 5, 2020
A beautiful story. Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and the young actor, Lucas Bond all shine in the film.
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8
DawdlingPoet
Apr 18, 2022
It's hard to say much about this film without giving away potential spoilers but I really liked it overall. Its not what it initially seems. It was surprisingly poignant, that's all I'll say. There are some twists present and I didn't see them all coming. It's not as 'fluffy' as it may appear - well in one way it is but not in another. I'd recommend this film to anyone unsure about whether to see it, as there's more substance to it than first seems.
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See All 4 User Reviews

Details

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Production Company Quickfire Films, British Film Institute (BFI), Embankment Films, Shoebox Films, Iota Films
Release Date Jul 31, 2020
Duration 1 h 39 m
Rating PG
Genres
Tagline Love. Magic. Hope.
View All Details

Awards

Norwegian International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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