Maudern Movies, a weekly series that curates films for your viewing pleasure.
Even though our lives look a lot different than they normally do, this is the season for love. From the hot nights to the glow of the pavement in the day, there is something undeniable about summer romance. This holiday weekend, cue up a little nostalgia with films to beat the heat.
From Dirty Dancing, the 1987 classic that is set in the 60s at a summer getaway, to The Inkwell, an early Jada Pinkett Smith flick—these films show the naivety of young love. Sundance winner Southside with You depicts a young Barack and Michelle Obama’s first date while law interns. The others center around the circumstances that arise from being stuck in the monotony summer brings. Here are six films that showcase budding relationships in the hottest of the seasons.
Dirty Dancing, 1987
Directed by: Emile Ardolino
Starring: Patrick Swayze, Kelly Bishop, Jerry Orbach, Jennifer Grey
Baby (Grey) and her family head outside the city to a compound in the Catskills. The resort is full of entertainment, food, and potential suitors for both Baby and her sister. Quickly and much to her father’s dismay, she starts running with the staff crowd, developing feelings for the lead dance instructor Johnny (Swayze).
Where to watch: Amazon, Hulu, Netflix
The Inkwell, 1994
Directed by: Matty RichStarring: Larenz Tate, Jada Pinkett Smith, Morris Chenet, Suzanne Douglas
Drew (Tate) is out of his comfort zone in an upper-class beach town in Martha’s Vineyard vacationing with wealthy relatives. At the beach called the Inkwell, Drew develops feelings for two women Lauren (Smith) and Heather, he must decide how to navigate both ladies as the summer progresses.
Where to watch: Amazon, Vudu
Adventureland, 2009
Directed by: Greg MottolaStarring: Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenberg, Margarit Levieva, Ryan Reynolds
When James’ (Eisenberg) summer plans to galavant across Europe after his college graduation are squashed due to finances, he gets a job working at an amusement park. A dull summer gets interesting when he begins to fall for his coworker Em (Stewart).
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon
La Belle Saison (Summertime), 2015
Directed by: Catherine Corsini
Starring: Cécile de France, Izîa, Noémie Lvosky, Kévin Azaîs
Delphine (Izîa) runs away to Paris from her small farm town amongst pressure from her father to marry. In the city, she meets Carole (de France) and the two quickly fall in love. Upon returning together to her family’s home town, they are met with disapproval and they must decide how to continue. At the end, we see where they end up years later—after having made choices that affected their relationship.
Where to watch: Amazon, Vudu
Southside with You, 2016
Directed by: Richard Tanne
Starring: Parker Sawyers, Tika Sumpter
The biographical film follows Barack (Sawyers) and Michelle (Sumpter) Obama’s first date. Barack pursues Michelle while a summer law intern in Chicago. The suave future leader takes her to an African art museum and to a community organizing meeting, winding up at an Ice Cream parlor. This true story showcases the beginning of a romance the nation has come to admire.
Where to watch: Amazon, Netflix
