tech
January 29, 2026
Chasing Summer review
Sundance film festival: comedian Iliza Shlesinger’s nonsensical misfire is a swirl of cliches, unfunny comedy, stock characters and bizarre direction from Josephine Decker
TL;DR
- The film "Chasing Summer" is noted for the unusual pairing of director Josephine Decker and star Iliza Shlesinger.
- Decker is known for experimental theater, psychodramas, and magical realism.
- Shlesinger is a comedian whose stand-up style is contrasted with her conventional appearance.
- The film's protagonist, Jamie, is characterized by her work in disaster relief and an upcoming program in Jakarta.
- Jamie returns to her Texas childhood home after a breakup, encountering stock characters and unresolved high school issues.
- The film's cinematography by Eric Branco is described as dynamic, with the camera seemingly trying to rescue the movie from its protagonist.
- The movie is criticized for its tonal inconsistency, jarring shifts, and continuity errors.
- Despite its flaws, the film is noted for being memorable and avoiding boredom.
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