Is That Certain Summer Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1972)

📖 The Core Premise

That Certain Summer returns to the screen in 1972, bringing a fresh narrative to the TV Movie, Drama genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "The first US teleplay to deal sympathetically with homosexuality. Divorced San Francisco contractor Doug Salter is looking forward to a summer visit from his fourteen-year-old son Nick, who lives in Los Angeles with his mother Janet. The boy does not know that his father is gay and committed to Gary McClain, his life partner of several years."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Hal Holbrook's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good TV Movie. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is That Certain Summer worth your time? If you appreciate TV Movie, Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, That Certain Summer is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 73 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.