Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
On September 30th, I had the pleasure of attending a screening of My Eternal Summer as part of the BFI London Film Festival 2024 Press & Industry Screenings at the British Film Institute. The film was presented by the talented director Sylvia Le Fanu, known for her emotionally charged short films Abu Adnan and Amourteur, which have earned acclaim at international festivals.
In her debut feature, the dramatic My Eternal Summer, Le Fanu not only directs but also co-writes the screenplay with Mads Lind Knudsen. Jan Bastian Muñoz Martinsen’s stunning cinematography skilfully combines artistic flair with emotional depth, revealing a touching story that serves as a metaphor for the transience of happiness, the warmth of family, and the inevitability of change.
From the very first moments of the film, a palpable tension and anticipation filled the room. The opening sequence of carefree children screaming and running around is quickly juxtaposed with a weary family in a car, their dull eyes and tired expressions hinting at the bleak journey ahead. This transition sets the tone for the entire film, making it clear that this is a story about the unavoidability of loss.
My Eternal Summer gradually unveils the story of a family whose mother is battling an incurable illness. Her struggle profoundly affects 15-year-old Fanny, who must navigate the complexities of adolescence in the shadow of impending loss. Fanny spends the summer at the family home with her parents, knowing it will be her mother’s last. In these simple, everyday moments, the characters attempt to maintain a façade of normalcy, but the weight of the impending loss seeps into every interaction, rendering the ordinary deeply poignant.
The actors’ performances bring remarkable depth to the film’s characters. Kaja Toft Loholt, Maria Rossing, Anders Mossling, and Jasper Kruse Svabo deliver performances that make the family’s joys, conflicts, and private tragedies feel profoundly real. The family dynamics, portrayed through quiet moments of tension and fleeting glimpses of joy, generate a powerful emotional impact, making you keenly aware of the subtleties in their relationships.
This film impresses with its richly layered narrative, underpinned by the subtle dialogue crafted by screenwriter Mads Lind Knudsen. The story unfolds without resorting to melodrama, relying instead on quiet realism that allows the audience to connect deeply with the characters. The family at the heart of this story is not extraordinary; they are relatable, human, and fragile. It is precisely this ordinariness that makes their journey so captivating.
Jan Bastian Muñoz Martinsen’s cinematography transcends mere visual appeal. Every frame, imbued with warm tones and prolonged close-ups, wraps the viewer in the story’s emotional atmosphere. Light becomes almost a character in its own right, with shadows and contrasts symbolising the characters’ evolving emotional states, akin to the masterful work of Roger Deakins. This interplay of light and shadow offers subtle insights into the characters’ hidden truths and unspoken desires.
The film’s sound design contributes significantly to its emotional resonance. Ambient sounds and music blend harmoniously, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The melancholic piano score and natural sounds infuse the film with tension and nostalgia, reflecting the characters’ emotional landscapes and serving as an integral part of the storytelling.
My Eternal Summer is a poignant exploration of life’s fleeting moments and the enduring value of familial relationships. It underscores the importance of treasuring those close to us and fostering meaningful connections long before it’s too late. The film poses simple yet profound questions: “Are you happy with me? Are you happy in our family?”
For ninety minutes, the film holds you captive, on edge yet moved by moments that evoke a quiet smile. These light-hearted interludes weave seamlessly into the drama, enhancing the narrative with contrasts that reflect the complexities of life. I wholeheartedly recommend this film to anyone looking to be reminded of the importance of closeness and mutual understanding within the family.
