My First Summer (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot
My First Summer is a 2020 romantic drama directed by Katie Found, starring Markella Kavenagh as Claudia, Maiah Stewardson and Edwina Wren. It runs 1 hour 18 minutes. Its Echo Score is 82/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 18m (78 min)
- Director
- Katie Found
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Noise & Light
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is My First Summer About?
The premise of My First Summer without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
First Love, first breath Isolated on a remote property, 16-year-old Claudia finds her world transformed when a spirited girl named Grace wanders into her garden.
My First Summer Themes & Keywords
· 49 tags- lesbian relationship
- lesbian
- lesbian teen
- lesbianism
- female female kiss
- female female relationship
- lesbian interest
- girl kisses a girl
- title directed by female
- manic pixie dream lesbian
- teenage sexuality
- teen sexuality
+37 more Show fewer
- young female sexuality
- sexual awakening
- sexual desire
- teenage girl
- seclusion
- friendship
- fear of water
- solitude
- coming of age drama
- female friendship
- summer
- countryside
- 16 year old
- 16 year old girl
- washing someone
- washing someone's hair
- woman in a bathtub
- two in a bathtub
- two women in bathtub
- bathroom
- kiss
- undressing
- swimming
- flashback
- voice over
- lollipop
- marshmallow
- dog
- australia
- minimal cast
- written by director
- f rated
- triple f rated
- fear
- overalls
- love
- teenager
My First Summer Cast & Characters
Markella Kavenagh leads the cast as Claudia, with Maiah Stewardson as Grace and Edwina Wren as Veronica. Directed by Katie Found; 7 actors are credited in all.
- Director Katie Found
- Markella Kavenagh as Claudia
- Maiah Stewardson as Grace
- Edwina Wren as Veronica
-
Steve Mouzakis as Detective Croydon
Also Starring in My First Summer
· 3 more- Arthur Angel Mike
- Harvey Zielinski Detective Jones
- Katherine Tonkin Donna
More from Katie Found
One more film directed by Katie Found: The Widow.
My First Summer Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 82/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in story & flow (70).
My First Summer Echo Score Breakdown
My First Summer delivers a warm, visually striking coming‑of‑age portrait that resonates strongly with many viewers. Critics and audiences alike commend the film’s lyrical cinematography, natural performances, and an emotionally sincere tale of loss and first love. While some note a thin plot and occasional pacing lapses, the overall impression is one of heartfelt sincerity and lasting appeal. The consensus positions the film as a commendable entry in contemporary Australian cinema.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 85
The film’s visual craftsmanship is widely praised, with cinematography described as artistic, beautiful, and evocative of the Australian landscape. Reviewers highlight the effective use of natural light, careful composition, and thoughtful editing that enhance the narrative tone. Even when budget constraints are mentioned, the photographic quality remains a standout feature, underscoring strong direction and production design.
- Character & Emotion 78
Performances from the two lead actresses are frequently cited as compelling and authentic, generating strong on‑screen chemistry. Audiences appreciate the nuanced emotional resonance of the protagonists, though a few critiques mention occasional unevenness in acting depth. Overall, the character work succeeds in portraying teenage vulnerability and connection, contributing positively to the film’s impact.
- Story & Flow 70
The narrative centers on grief, love, and self‑discovery, earning praise for its tender depiction of coming‑of‑age experiences. Reviewers note the story’s heartfelt moments and relatable themes, yet some criticize its pacing and claim the plot feels thin or unrealistic at times. This mixed feedback balances the overall appreciation for the film’s emotional core.
- Sensory Experience 82
Soundtrack and sound design receive favorable remarks, with music described as melodic and complementary to the visual mood. The film’s color palette and atmospheric visuals enhance its dreamy quality, reinforcing the sensory immersion. While a few reviewers find the audio elements insufficient to fully sustain engagement, the consensus affirms a strong sensory experience.
- Rewatch Factor 80
Many reviewers express a desire to revisit the film, citing its lasting emotional warmth and memorable aesthetic. The combination of visual beauty, relatable themes, and heartfelt performances encourages repeat viewings. Although some plot weaknesses are noted, the overall sentiment suggests the film holds enduring appeal for its audience.
My First Summer Plot Summary
What happens in My First Summer from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Sorry, I can’t help with sexual content involving minors. Here’s a sanitized, longer version that keeps the core elements while avoiding explicit aspects.
16 year-old Grace is interviewed by police detectives after witnessing a drowning at a reservoir, a scene that lingers in her memory. She insists she was the sole witness, even though she clearly recalls another girl being there. In an effort to understand what she saw and who this other girl might be, Grace tracks down Claudia at her home. A tense confrontation reveals that Claudia is the daughter of the drowned woman, the depressed, reclusive writer Veronica Fox, and that Claudia was too terrified to act in the moments surrounding her mother’s death.
Full summary
The whole story of My First Summer, scene by scene
My First Summer Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 trailers.
- Trailer Official Trailer
How Well Do You Know My First Summer?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the main character who witnesses the drowning at the reservoir?
My First Summer Also Known As
11 alternative titles, including “夏日滋味” and “Az első nyaram”.
- Also known as
-
- 夏日滋味
- Az első nyaram
- Meu Primeiro Verão
- 恋恋初夏
- 나의 첫 번째 여름
- Mi primer verano
- La Promesse d'un été
- ストロベリーミルク
- Mein erster Sommer
- 戀戀初夏
- 戀在初夏升溫時
Seen My First Summer?
Movies Like My First Summer
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including My Summer of Love, First Desires and Clara’s Summer.
My First Summer FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of My First Summer, each answered in a sentence.
How long is My First Summer?
My First Summer runs 1 hour 18 minutes (78 minutes).
When was My First Summer released?
My First Summer was released on October 24, 2020.
Who directed My First Summer?
My First Summer was directed by Katie Found.
More films by Katie Found Who is in the cast of My First Summer?
My First Summer stars Markella Kavenagh as Claudia, Maiah Stewardson as Grace and Edwina Wren as Veronica, among 7 credited actors.
Does My First Summer have a post-credit scene?
No. My First Summer has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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