Griffin in Summer Is A Tender, Funny Coming-of-Age Gem

Writer/Director Nicholas Colia’s debut, Griffin in Summer, is the kind of indie gem that sneaks up on you with heart, humor, and just the right dose of awkwardness. It’s a fresh, funny, and surprisingly tender take on what it feels like to be young, ambitious, and a little too sure of yourself.

The story follows Griffin Nafly (Everett Blunck), a 14-year-old aspiring playwright who takes himself and his art very seriously. While other kids are enjoying summer, Griffin is busy penning dramatic plays, nursing a massive ego, and trying to figure out his place in the world. Things get really interesting when his mom (the always wonderful Melanie Lynskey) hires a handsome 25-year-old handyman, Brad (Owen Teague). Griffin instantly develops a crush, and before you know it, Brad becomes both his muse and his obsession, fueling a play that’s equal parts hilarious and painfully sincere.

The film is often laugh-out-loud funny, filled with sharp dialogue and delightfully awkward moments, yet it also touches on deeper themes of identity, longing, and artistic expression. What also makes Griffin in Summer so engaging is its refusal to fall into the clichés of traditional LGBTQ coming-of-age stories. Instead, the story focuses on the universal experience of being a teenager caught between fantasy and reality. 

And let’s talk about Everett Blunck. He is fantastic. This is one of those rare breakout performances where you just know you’re watching the start of something big. Blunck nails Griffin’s overconfidence while also letting us see the raw, vulnerable kid underneath. He’s funny, heartbreaking, and shockingly good for his age. I honestly can’t wait to see where his career goes next.

In the end, Colia has crafted more than a quirky indie comedy. Griffin in Summer is a sweet, funny, and painfully honest look at being young, creative, and desperate to connect with the world. If you’re in the mood for something heartfelt with a side of sharp wit, definitely catch Griffin in Summer, now playing in theaters.