‘Summer of 69’ Review: Chloe Fineman Plays a Sexual Mentor in a Teen Comedy That’s More Sweet Than Spicy

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Similar to numerous teenagers nearing the end of their high school journey, Abby (Sam Morelos), the main character in Jillian Bell’s fresh, humor-laced yet emotionally resonant comedy titled “Summer of 69“, harbors a desire to experience intimacy before she walks across the graduation stage.

When Abby discovers that her long-time crush Max (Matt Cornett), an athletic soccer player with dark hair, has recently become single, the shy video game enthusiast decides she wants to take their relationship to the next level. Abby has harbored feelings for Max since they attended their exclusive Catholic school in Syracuse, New York together, and after all these years, she believes her moment has finally come. However, there’s a catch: Abby is inexperienced when it comes to romantic relationships.

In the style of Seth and Evan from “Superbad” and PJ and Josie from “Bottoms”, Abby embarks on a misguided attempt to find romance. Actions similar to those taken by Percy’s parents in “No Hard Feelings” are mirrored when she hires a dancer (Chloe Fineman) from a local strip club as her guide, due to her lack of experience. While Abby’s parents may not be as financially strapped as the parents who entrusted their teenage daughter’s sexual education to a struggling Uber driver in the previous film, they are certainly less laid-back. The final week of school arrives, and with it, her parents’ departure to help move Grandma into assisted living. In Abby’s own words, she intends to transform herself into a “sex machine” during this time.

The trip takes seven days, twists and turns, and can feel a bit uncomfortable at times. Bell (from “Kinda Pregnant, Brittany Runs a Marathon”), along with co-writers Jules Byrne and Liz Nico, has crafted a movie that follows the conventions of classic teen comedies. The film “Summer of 69” introduces a likable heroine, her unwilling accomplice, and a cast of characters who encourage their escapades and drive the plot forward.

In this modest streaming film, Fineman may draw viewers in, but it’s Morelos who truly shines as the standout newcomer. With credits like That 90s Show under her belt, she delivers a charming performance reminiscent of Kuhoo Varma in the heartwarming Hulu film Plan B. Her portrayal of Abby is full of empathy, keeping her from becoming a stereotypical nerd or easy target for jokes.

Initially, Abby is not well-acquainted with many people or active in social circles. She’s an introverted individual who often indulges in excessive daydreaming, as portrayed in “Summer of 69.” Most evenings, she spends her time streaming video games on Glitch (a fictionalized equivalent to Twitch) for a devoted following. This unusual job has allowed her to amass thousands of dollars, which she had intended to use towards purchasing a car. However, the revelation about Max alters her plans, prompting her to visit a strip club one afternoon following school. There, she observes Santa Monica (Fineman) captivate every man in the establishment.

Despite the dancer’s performance being intended to be commanding, Fineman manages to make it plausible. The actress skillfully handles the comedic aspects of her role, but seems unsure when faced with scenes requiring more subtle hints or a touch of intensity. It’s hard not to draw comparisons between Santa Monica and Lawrence’s Maddie from No Hard Feelings.

Just like Maddie, Santa Monica decides to mentor Abby for a fee. She requests $20,000 from Abby, intending to use it to purchase the strip club where she works from a shady lender (Charlie Day) and become a full-time proprietor. The current manager (Paula Pell) has been making questionable financial choices that could potentially result in Santa Monica and the other dancers (portrayed by Nicole Byer and Liza Koshy) losing their jobs.

Additionally, while this drama unfolds, there’s the looming presence of Santa Monica’s high school reunion. Interestingly, the dancer attended the same high school as Abby. The thought of returning to this exclusive Syracuse school stirs up anxiety within her: She fears that she hasn’t achieved enough in life and has nothing significant to present as her accomplishments.

As I grappled with my personal struggles, Santa Monica guided me, Abby, on the art of self-expression and confidence. Her advice was humorously delivered and our shared adventures were heartwarming. Santa Monica showed me various techniques, suggested using toys, and even offered insights into finding balance in intimate moments. She emphasized that true confidence in the bedroom stems from a strong sense of self beyond it.

1969, unlike the explicit nature of movies like “Bottoms”, maintains a more wholesome tone, closer to “Booksmart”. It highlights the endearing, unexpected friendships that make teen comedies timeless. Although Santa Monica initially aims to teach Abby about self-exploration and intimacy with others, she too learns valuable lessons. The chemistry between Fineman and Morelos drives the movie, making their characters’ relationships seem genuine. When difficulties emerge, and secrets are disclosed, the heartache, to their credit, appears authentic.

Cinematographer Maria Rusche (Bottoms) adopts a visually comparable style for Summer of 69 to Emma Seligman’s second project. They both make ample use of Technicolor’s rich color spectrum, particularly the deep tones of gold, red, and purple, which harmoniously blend with Matt Bowen’s energetic yet somewhat melancholic score. The production design, spearheaded by Adri Siriwatt, and costume design, led by Lindsay Monahan, collaboratively craft Abby’s environment. This world is characterized by the striking crimson uniforms and high ceilings of her prestigious school as well as the brooding interiors and radiant attire found in Santa Monica’s nightclub.

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2025-05-08 23:24