Eté 85 (Summer of 85)

👉Full movie at end of the post

Summer of 85 is a French romantic drama directed by François Ozon, adapted from Aidan Chambers’ novel Dance on My Grave. The story takes place in the coastal town of Normandy during the summer of 1985 and follows 16-year-old Alexis, a dreamy and introspective teenager. After capsizing his boat during a storm, Alexis is rescued by 18-year-old David, a confident and free-spirited young man. This fateful encounter marks the beginning of a deep and passionate relationship between the two.

As their bond strengthens, Alexis becomes enamored with David’s charm and adventurous outlook on life. They share moments of joy, freedom, and teenage rebellion, exploring their identities and desires against the backdrop of sunlit beaches and motorbike rides. However, their intense relationship begins to show signs of imbalance, as David’s flirtatious nature and emotional distance stir jealousy and insecurity in Alexis. Despite their differences, Alexis believes their love is destined, even making a pact to dance on the other's grave if one of them dies first.

The narrative is told through a series of flashbacks, with present-day Alexis writing down the story as part of a school assignment, following a tragic event that has clearly affected him deeply. As the film progresses, it is revealed that David dies in a motorcycle accident, and Alexis, consumed by grief and confusion, tries to make sense of what happened. His coping mechanism includes a symbolic act of fulfilling their morbid promise—dancing on David’s grave—which lands him in trouble with the law.

Through the aftermath of David’s death, Alexis embarks on a painful yet transformative journey of mourning and self-discovery. He reflects on the fleeting nature of love, the weight of loss, and the process of moving forward without forgetting the past. His connection with David, though short-lived, leaves an indelible mark on his emotional and personal growth, helping him to understand himself more clearly.

Summer of 85 is a poignant coming-of-age film that captures the beauty and turbulence of first love. Ozon’s direction combines nostalgia with melancholy, using bright cinematography and an evocative 1980s soundtrack to immerse viewers in the emotional world of adolescence. While the romance is central, the film also explores themes of obsession, identity, grief, and the enduring power of memory.