Camp Pineway’s Killer Comedy: Why Fred Hechinger Steals the Show!

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In the summer season, Camp Pineway transforms into a chilling scene for Generation Z as an assortment of counselors encounter a murderer wearing a devil mask in “Summer of Horror,” a nostalgic horror-comedy that serves as the directorial debut of co-stars Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk. (This setup is reminiscent of…)

The movie set on Friday the 13th is noticeably less gruesome and explicit, instead opting for humor and subverting typical horror genre clichés. You won’t find any graphic injuries or frequent bouncing of breasts as frightened campers stumble through the woods in darkness. While it may not have a compelling mystery or top-notch cinematography, the film manages to stay afloat thanks to a standout lead performance by Fred Hechinger and some occasional chuckles. However, its lackluster supporting cast often struggles to keep viewers engaged.

The movie titled “Hell of a Summer” starts with the owners, Adam Pally and Rosebud Baker, spending a peaceful late-night by the lake at Camp Pineway, singing campfire tunes and sipping beers. Unbeknownst to them, they are being observed. A routine trip to restock the cooler transforms into a panic-inducing chase as the killer makes his move. The following morning, when the counselors start arriving, they find that the owners’ vehicles have mysteriously disappeared.

Camp Pineway’s Slaughter

24-year-old Jason (Fred Hechinger), as his mother scolds him, dreams of being appointed head counselor this summer instead of lazing around at camp. He’s casually dropped off, while Bobby (Bryk) and Chris (Finn Wolfhard) check out the attractive social media influencer Demi (Pardis Saremi) and Shannon (Krista Nazaire). Mike (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai), a handsome guy, is already showing off his physique, which makes Claire (Abby Quinn) wrinkle her nose in disgust. Meanwhile, Ezra (Matthew Finlan), an aspiring actor, heads to the theater, and vegan Miley (Julia Doyle) ignores the bothersome Ari (Daniel Gravelle).

Everyone gets settled into their bunks while Jason discovers a helpful note indicating that their superiors are missing, which he sees as a chance to demonstrate his capabilities. Despite not being well-known by most except Claire, he tries to rally the group. This is hurtful for Jason, who is known for his amiable nature and has served as a counselor for eight years. Ignoring his suggestion for an early rest, they instead move towards the rec room, unaware that the killer lurking nearby will soon make another gruesome attack.

Dimly Lit Dimwits

This summer blockbuster is jam-packed with typical characters from teen horror movies: there’s the popular girl, her charming boyfriend, the skeptic, a drama club member, two brothers arguing over another attractive character, the annoying elitists you secretly hope meet an untimely end, and of course, the intelligent protagonist destined to save the day. The villain, who’s harboring grudges, is one of these characters, committing murders. You’ll likely figure out who it is in the early stages, then have to endure as the group tries to uncover the killer’s identity while also trying to protect themselves. This can get quite repetitive until some amusing twists inject freshness into the storyline.

Friends in real life, Wolfhard (from Stranger Things, It) and Bryk (Wynonna Earp), starred together in Ghostbusters: Afterlife and When You Finish Saving the World. They work well on screen, but their directional skills could use some improvement. The movie Hell of a Summer was intentionally made with grainy, dimly lit cinematography to mimic ’70s and ’80s slasher films. While this works during daylight scenes, shooting at night presents unique challenges that demand more technical expertise. It’s tough to make out what’s happening in dark environments. The characters aren’t well-defined when they’re running or hiding. There seems to be a lack of balance between the storyline and the filmmaking skills, making it clear that this is a newcomer’s production.

More Humor than Gore

Hechinger skillfully breathes life into the character of Jason in Hell of a Summer, offering a multi-dimensional portrayal that stands out among all others. His physical gestures play a crucial role in showcasing Jason’s genuine affection for Camp Pineway and its significance to him. Despite being ridiculed, disregarded, and at one point demonized, he maintains his composure as the mature adult figure. Jason assumes responsibility for everyone’s safety, even when it puts his own life at risk. This act of heroism earns him Claire’s admiration, who initially dislikes the other characters. Their budding romance is a predictable yet captivating element of the film. Hechinger possesses strong on-screen charisma and promises to be an artist to keep an eye on as his career flourishes.

In a strategic decision aimed at avoiding excessive violence, Wolfhard and Bryk maintain a balanced portrayal of violence, providing just enough to convey the scene effectively. The death and chaos depicted are appropriate without being gratuitous. Furthermore, they refrain from objectifying or portraying women as easy targets or eye-candy. Instead, they distribute the violence evenly across genders, which is commendable. Regrettably, the supporting characters could use more development. Claire, who is less stereotypical, lacks substantial involvement until the third act. A Summer to Hell zips by in a brisk 88 minutes. Expanding the script slightly might have enriched character development without slowing down the pace.

A Scorcher of a Summer manages to earn a positive review by emphasizing its strengths. An engaging performance by Hechinger and adequate humor overshadow the flaws in production and script.. It appears that Wolfhard and Bryk still have room for improvement as directors, but they’re learning and we hope to see them grow with their next project. A Scorcher of a Summer is a collaboration between 30West and Aggregate Films. The film will hit theaters on April 4th, distributed by NEON.

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2025-04-03 14:32