Final Summer (2023): Cast & Ratings
Final Summer is a 2023 horror film directed by John Isberg, starring Thom Mathews as Sheriff Parmer, Carl Bailey and Bishop Stevens. It runs 1 hour 22 minutes. Its Echo Score is 50/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 22m (82 min)
- Director
- John Isberg
- Genre
- Horror
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Swede Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Final Summer About?
The premise of Final Summer without spoilers.
Set during the final summer of 1991, Camp Silverlake reopens only to be haunted by a recent tragedy. As the season unfolds, a group of counselors must band together and battle a relentless masked killer, fighting for their lives while confronting the camp’s grim history.
Final Summer Themes & Keywords
· 13 tags- slasher
- murder
- murder spree
- serial killer
- psychopathic killer
- psychopath
- masked killer
- summer camp
- camp counselor
- camp counselor as protagonist
- slasher horror
- camp counsellors
+1 more Show fewer
- camp
Final Summer Cast & Characters
Thom Mathews leads the cast as Sheriff Parmer, with Carl Bailey as Deputy Hodges and Bishop Stevens as Deputy Henry. Directed by John Isberg; 13 actors are credited in all.
- Director John Isberg
- Thom Mathews as Sheriff Parmer
- Carl Bailey as Deputy Hodges
- Bishop Stevens as Deputy Henry
- Jace Jamison as Dougie
Also Starring in Final Summer
· 9 more- Jenna Kohn Lexi
- Nora Yates Young Lexi
- Charlie Bauer Mike
- Kimmy Schofield Traci
- Charlee Amacher Georgia
- Myles Valentine Mario
- Farbota Lynn Ronnie
- Rico Whitehead Moose
- Fabian Guerrero Barry
Final Summer Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 50/100, strongest in sensory experience (60) and weakest in story & flow (40).
Final Summer Echo Score Breakdown
Final Summer delivers a nostalgic slasher framework that struggles to rise above its limited resources. Reviewers acknowledge the film's occasional atmospheric strength and competent use of natural locations, yet they repeatedly note unfocused cinematography, uneven direction, and a script that offers little originality. Performances are described as largely amateur, with only occasional moments of genuine tension. The resulting experience feels more like a rough homage than a compelling horror entry, limiting its lasting appeal.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 58
In terms of art and craft, the film shows flashes of visual competence, with natural settings and occasional effective cinematography that convey a classic slasher mood. However, numerous reviewers point out persistent focus problems, cheap camera work, and a lack of polished direction. Production design remains basic, and editing does not consistently sustain tension. The mixed technical execution yields a modest overall craft rating.
- Character & Emotion 45
When evaluating character and emotion, the cast delivers sporadic genuine reactions but is largely hindered by inexperience and flat performances. Critics highlight a lack of depth, predictable dialogue, and a final girl who fails to engage emotionally. A few reviewers note isolated moments of believable acting, yet the overall consensus describes the characters as underdeveloped and the chemistry insufficient for strong audience connection.
- Story & Flow 40
Story and flow suffer from a straightforward, derivative plot that mirrors earlier camp slasher formulas without adding new twists. Reviewers criticize predictable pacing, a weak climax, and a script that feels both boring and overly familiar. While some appreciate the inclusion of backstory elements, the narrative is widely regarded as unoriginal and uneven, resulting in a low engagement score.
- Sensory Experience 60
Sensory experience receives the highest marks among the aspects, as the film manages a cohesive visual style through its wooded setting and nocturnal scenes. Sound design and occasional effective score moments add to the atmosphere, despite complaints about off‑screen kills and unnecessary shots. The overall sensory presentation is competent enough to convey tension, though it is occasionally undermined by technical flaws.
- Rewatch Factor 45
Rewatch factor is limited by the film's predictability and uneven execution. Some viewers find nostalgic charm and occasional suspenseful sequences worth revisiting, yet the lack of narrative depth and inconsistent performances reduce its replay value. The consensus suggests the movie may satisfy genre enthusiasts on a single viewing but offers little incentive for repeated enjoyment.
Final Summer Trailers & Videos
4 videos: 1 trailer, 1 teaser and 2 featurettes.
- Teaser Watch Now on Amazon
- Featurette Kickstarter kickoff!
- Featurette Slavvy - Main theme from "Final Summer"
Seen Final Summer?
Movies Like Final Summer
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Bloody Summer Camp, Camp Pleasant Lake and The Final Girls.
-
Bloody Summer Camp 2021 -
Camp Pleasant Lake 2024 -
The Final Girls 2015 -
Camp Terror 2024 -
Hell of a Summer 2025 -
Cruel Summer 2021 -
The Summer of the Massacre 2006 -
The Final Terror 1983 -
Summer Camp Nightmare 1987 -
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter 1984 -
Fear Cabin: The Last Weekend of Summer 2024 -
She Came from the Woods 2022
Final Summer FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Final Summer, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Final Summer?
Final Summer runs 1 hour 22 minutes (82 minutes).
When was Final Summer released?
Final Summer was released on April 16, 2023.
Who directed Final Summer?
Final Summer was directed by John Isberg.
Who is in the cast of Final Summer?
Final Summer stars Thom Mathews as Sheriff Parmer, Carl Bailey as Deputy Hodges and Bishop Stevens as Deputy Henry, among 13 credited actors.
Does Final Summer have a post-credit scene?
No. Final Summer has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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