‘Summer’s End’ is an emotionally charged short drama that breaks the mold of the typical family vacation. Written and directed by Grant and Adam Conversano, the film explores the complex layers of identity, sexuality, and familial dysfunction with an unsettling rawness. Set against the backdrop of a weather-beaten Myrtle Beach, the film immerses you in a world where everything is tinged with tension and uncertainty.

At the heart of the film is Elliott (Graham Lutes), a closeted queer teenager on vacation with his troubled family. The film opens as Elliott wakes from a threesome – an intimate, vulnerable moment that sets the stage for the emotional turmoil to come. He wanders the beach, a beautiful yet bleak setting, reflecting his internal conflict. The cinematography by Greta Zozula is breathtaking, capturing both the beauty and bleakness of Elliott’s world with an artistry that adds layers to the story.

The sound design is impeccable, creating an immersive atmosphere that feels like eavesdropping on the raw, private moments of this fractured family. Elliott’s father, played by Michael Abbott Jr., is a deeply flawed alcoholic, whose own secret sexual explorations complicate an already strained father-son relationship. The tension between father and son is palpable, escalating into a confrontation that’s as heartbreaking as it is inevitable.

What makes ‘Summer’s End’ so powerful is its refusal to simplify the emotional turmoil at its core. It’s not just about Elliott coming to terms with his sexuality; it’s about the cracks in the family dynamic, the quiet betrayals, and the unresolved pain that shapes them all. This is not a typical family vacation film – it’s a searing, raw examination of how we hurt and heal within the confines of family. With flawless technical execution and outstanding performances, ‘Summer’s End’ is a striking credit to the chaos that simmers beneath the surface of family life. Highly recommended viewing.