PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Some movies are hard to watch. We hope and pray that, as a society, we will be better than the previous generation. Sadly, that is not the case for the people in the film, Cruel Summer, which was based on true events. Our story begins with autistic teen Danny who is in the woods camping, only to be found by Nicholas, Julia, and Calvin. These sadistic teens have more in store for Danny with a gruesome end.
Synopsis:
Danny (Richard Pawulski), a teenager with autism, escapes the inner city for the beautiful countryside as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Little does he know that bitter Nicholas (Danny Miller) is hunting him, stemming from a lie created by the enamored and envious Julia (Natalie Martins) and Calvin (Reece Douglas). As the three close in on Danny, Nicholas’ behavior becomes increasingly erratic and violent, and Julia and Calvin must decide whether to go through with Nicholas’ deadly plan.
Cruel Summer was directed and written by Phillip Escott and Craig Newman. The cast includes Danny Miller, Reece Douglas, Richard Pawulski, and Natalie Martins. The story revolves around Danny, an autistic teen going on a camping trip alone. Nicholas, fuming from a rumor that his girlfriend slept with Danny, goes into the woods to beat up the boy. He brings Julia and Calvin along to gang up on the boy, but it takes a deadly turn.
Cruel Summer is one of those movies that is hard to watch, not because it’s gory or scary. It’s hard to watch because it shows the cruelty of humanity. Danny Miller portrays Nicholas as a sadistic, angry teen who goes overboard when a rumor gets to him. He believes that Danny slept with his girlfriend. However, this is a lie created by Julia (Natalie Martins). Richard Pawulski plays Danny, the autistic teen who goes on a camping trip to be hunted down by the three teens. Pawulski plays the role perfectly. It’s always hard to portray a character that is autistic, but I believe Pawulski portrays it perfectly.
In the end, this is a good film but very hard to watch. It exposes the tragedy and horror of real life. Cruel Summer was released February 28th on VOD. Give it a watch and let us know what you think in the comments below!
