Written and directed by Lucy Cohen, a summer holiday and an old folk tale bring two 11-year-olds together as they set out to explore just what, or who, is calling to them, from deep within an abandoned tin mine. Starring: Flora Hylton, Joel Sefton-Iongi, Skyer Dennett, Josie Walker, Nichola Burley, Steffan Rhodri and Edward Rowe.

One of the interesting things about Edge of Summer is that it feels as though Lucy Cohen has weaved her experience with trauma from her previous film Kingdom of Us, into this curious childhood tale. It’s a theme that’s consistently peppered throughout the film, every scene has a certain edge of brokenness to it, nothing is simple. It makes for an interesting choice when dealing with a story that’s so focused on such young characters, reflecting how they themselves don’t yet know how to process their feelings.

Then adding in those layers of darkness and mystery which come with the abandoned mine, feeds into a bleakness. It’s a rather unique blend that has a mixed success as the atmosphere is certainly there and Lucy Cohen’s directorial style captures that seaside town, summer holiday vibes where everything is slightly up in the air. There’s an added layer of mystique to normal life, and that works really well but the story can’t quite match that. It feels as though it’s trying to explore a few too many avenues and only dipping its toes in each of them which is unsatisfying.

While the acting is superbly consistent throughout which is almost surprising for as young as Flora Hylton and Joel Sefton-Iongi are. The amount of complexity they manage to instil in these characters, while intensely holding onto their youth, naivety and sensitivity is impressive.Hylton is wonderful, she makes it extremely easy to relate to Evie and gives her a great sweetness. Sefton-Iongi does an excellent job creating a generous and kind but very complicated young man in Adam, it feels as though there was even more to explore. Josie Walker is also great as Evie’s mother, she doesn’t get too involved but even her quiet, emotional moments are filled with sincerity.

Edge of Summer is an intriguing step into the narrative feature world from Lucy Cohen, it has some flaws but it shows a great deal of talent and potential for more. Flora Hylton and Joel Sefton-Iongi give remarkable performances, the film’s casting is fantastic. The story doesn’t quite progress or develop enough to reach the heights it could have but the direction, atmosphere and curiosity of the film make it well worth watching.

Verdict: ✯✯✯½ | 7/10

Screened as part of Glasgow Film Festival 2024