There’s something unique about the last summer before adulthood that prompts people to do ridiculous things—actions that, in hindsight, seem both embarrassing and unavoidable. Summer of ’69, now streaming on Hulu, embraces this chaotic energy with a coming-of-age story that blends cringe-worthy moments and charming experiences.
Jillian Bell’s directorial debut follows Abby (Sam Morelos), an awkward senior at a Catholic school who has spent most of her adolescence hiding behind a screen, streaming video games while wearing Halloween masks. With graduation approaching, she decides it’s time to step into the real world—or at least pursue her longtime crush, Max (Matt Cornett). The only problem? Max has just broken up with his popular girlfriend, and Abby believes she must master the art of seduction before she makes her move. That’s when she enlists the help of Santa Monica (Chloe Fineman), a local stripper whom Abby hires as her sex coach.
Yes, you read that correctly.
The film resembles a fever dream filled with misguided teenage logic, where every decision is wildly inappropriate and somehow completely understandable. Abby is desperate to reinvent herself, leading her to Diamond Dolls, a strip club on the verge of financial collapse. Initially reluctant, Santa Monica agrees to help Abby in exchange for the money she needs to purchase the club and save it from the sleazy businessman, Rick Richards (played by Charlie Day). What follows is a series of increasingly absurd lessons in confidence, seduction, and self-worth—think *She’s All That*, but with pole dancing.
Morelos and Fineman have undeniable comedic chemistry, with Fineman delivering a hilariously unhinged performance and an unexpectedly heartfelt one. Santa Monica isn’t just a mentor; she is a woman grappling with her failures as she attends her high school reunion, burdened by unmet expectations. The film’s best moments occur when Abby and Santa Monica realize they are both searching for validation in different ways—one trying to prove her desirability, and the other striving to demonstrate her success.
Bell’s playful direction references 1980s teen movies, such as *Sixteen Candles* and *Risky Business*. The film embraces raunchy humor while steering clear of the misogynistic elements found in earlier sex comedies. Instead, *Summer of ’69* presents its absurd premise as a journey of self-discovery, where sex is portrayed less as a conquest and more as a path to building confidence.
The film occasionally falters under the burden of its absurdity. Some jokes appear forced, and the resolution is predictable enough to be anticipated from a distance. However, perhaps that’s part of its charm—much like a poor choice made during a sweltering summer, *Summer of ’69* is messy, impulsive, and oddly endearing.
**Grade: B** Streaming on Hulu.
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