Over the course of two days, I watched a movie called Summerland. Over the course of two days, I think my life changed.

Summerland, directed by Jessica Swale, tells the story of Alice Lamb (Gemma Arteron), a closed off author living in 1940s Kent, England who is forced to house a refugee boy named Frank (Lucas Bond) from London against her will. Over the course of the story, Alice and Frank face challenges together, grow together, and love together. A heart-warming, dramatic, queer story, Summerland touched my heart, and I hope it touches yours.

This movie is truly unlike any I’ve ever seen. 10 minutes in, I paused the movie, picked up my phone, and texted my friend to inform her that my personality for the next few weeks would solely be this movie. From the very first scene, the visuals of the movie were absolutely gorgeous. Alice lives on a cliffside in Kent, and the ocean is featured in many scenes throughout the story. The jagged edges of the cliffside and the sharp rocks in the water below very accurately display Alice’s character in the beginning of the movie. However, the use of the sky is very clearly used to contrast that. The sky becomes more colorful, more beautiful the more Alice opens her heart to Frank. I found myself audibly gasping again and again at the sheer beauty of the landscape.

The cinematography of the movie would be fantastic with or without the natural beauty. Gemma Arteron shines in many of the scenes featuring her alone, and the camerawork fits so well with her skillful depictions of raw emotions to engulf the watcher into the story. It truly felt like I was there, sharing Alice and Frank’s love, joy, and heartbreak. The talent of these actors is not to be overlooked, as even 14-year-old Lucas Bond brought depth to the story with his incredible camera work.

As a bisexual teenage girl, I have rarely seen any true representation of WLW in the media. This movie filled my heart to its peak capacity. Alice Lamb is such an authentically written character, who truly relates the struggle of being a queer woman through the camera. She is unapologetically herself in a time and space where nobody wanted her to be. Especially as a historical piece, this movie is truly written for those who want to feel related to their community, through time and space.

Without revealing too much of the plot of Summerland, I assure you that any watcher will leave with a shifted perspective. The relationship between Alcie and Frank alone is enough to bring tears to many eyes, and the hardships they overcome together are beautifully tragic yet inspiring.

In all honesty, I have nothing but praise for this movie. Maybe I’m biased, inexperienced, whatever. That’s what I’m here for. Watch Summerland. Tell me all about it. Let’s discuss ; )