Summer of 84 (2018) - Coming-of-age drama turning into a thriller and concluding as a grisly horror film - 10/10 (09/10/20)

Summer of 84 is a Canadian coming-of-age drama that slowly develops into a thriller and ends as a grisly horror movie. Even though the five lead characters are all teenagers, I would not suggest to let minors watch this film. The movie should rather appeal to young adults and might even traumatize youngsters with its shocking ending.

The story revolves around four teenage friends who suspect a neighbouring police officer to be a serial killer. Davey is a curious kid with slightly awkward behaviour who believes in conspiracy theories and aliens and who has a huge crush on his childhood friends whose parents are in the process of separating and who is about to leave the seemingly idyllic smalltown for a college in the big city. Woody is his best friend who is very warm-hearted despite being particularly tall and heavy as can be witnesses when he takes care of his exhausted and often absent mother. Eats also has a few problems of his own because even though he claims to be more mature than the others and shows an obsession for sexual intercourse, his parents are constantly fighting and his stupid older brother doesn't offer much help either. Curtis is the group's voice of reason as the youngster is calm and careful and rather interested in literature and science than in girls and conspiracies. These four friends hear of the Cape May Slayer who has recently sent an anonymous letter to a local newspaper that claims responsibility for fifteen murders, including thirteen teenage boys. Davey starts suspecting neighbouring police officer Wayne Mackey when he coincidentally sees a teenage boy in his living room whose picture later appears on the back of a milk carton as a missing person. His friends are initially doubtful and reject Davey's vivid imagination but the youngster insists on investigating their neighbour. When the quartet discovers that the police officer purchases huge amounts of gardening tools, has a secret self-storage room and has a blood-stained shirt in his arbour, the four friends start to believe that they might be onto something.

This movie convinces on all levels. The suburban settings suggesting a fake idyllic neighbourhood are very realistic. The clothes, music and settings bring the eighties back to life with numerous clever details. The acting performances are absolutely believable. The shift from coming-of-age over thriller to horror is perfectly fluid as the movie intensifies as the story progresses. The final twenty minutes or so feel surreal, nightmarish and menacing. The movie's conclusion might leave you speechless and offers food for thought and room for debates.

Again, don't underestimate this movie because of its teenage characters and actors. This movie is creepy, intense and at times shocking as it will send shivers down your spine. Remember that even though the movie takes place in Oregon, this is actually a Canadian film and most certainly doesn't have a Hollywood ending. Even the recent film adaptation of Stephen King's It feels like a cheerful walk in the park compared to this gloomy grower. If you are looking for a sinister film with profound characters, twisted plot and unforgettable scenes, give this movie a chance and spread the word about this underrated masterpiece.