What Is Something Like Summer About?
The premise of Something Like Summer in 300 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the humid stretch of suburban Houston, the world of Benjamin is one of bright colors and quiet courage. A seventeen‑year‑old who lives his truth openly, he navigates the familiar corridors of high school while feeling the pulse of something larger pressing against the walls of his everyday life. The film captures the city’s warm, sun‑splashed atmosphere, letting the backdrop breathe with the same mix of hope and uncertainty that defines his inner world.
Tim enters this landscape as the archetypal star athlete—popular, confident, yet carrying a secret that keeps him at a distance from his own desires. Their chance meeting sparks a connection that thrives in whispered moments and hidden glances, setting the stage for a relationship that must reconcile public perception with private longing. The tone is intimate and tender, underscored by the tension that arises when two very different approaches to identity collide.
As the years stretch beyond the hallways of high school, the story follows the two men into the broader, more complicated terrain of adulthood. The bond they forged in adolescence does not dissolve; instead, it morphs, revealing layers of animosity, affection, and a friendship that is as puzzling as it is familiar. New faces, such as Jace, enter the picture, hinting at the ways external influences can both challenge and reinforce the core of their connection. The narrative dwells on the subtle push and pull of longing, regret, and the unspoken promises that linger long after the first kiss.
Through careful, lyric composition, the film invites viewers to consider how early love can echo through the years, shaping identities and relationships in unexpected ways. The mood balances wistful nostalgia with the sharp sting of reality, leaving a lingering curiosity about how these intertwined lives will continue to evolve amid the ordinary and the extraordinary.
What Happens in Something Like Summer?
The complete story of Something Like Summer, from the first scene to the last, in 648 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Benjamin Bentley, Grant Davis, is a 17-year-old openly gay high school student in Houston, Texas, who finds himself drawn to Tim Wyman, Davi Santos — a popular athlete who is initially closeted about his sexuality. Their connection begins after a chance encounter, and what starts as a quiet spark quickly becomes a secret relationship, a fragile bond built on shared moments and whispered conversations. The relationship is marked by a careful balance between affection and fear, as each boy weighs the risk of exposure against the pull of attraction. In a setting where appearances can matter as much as feelings, their romance grows in pockets of time that feel almost stolen, a private world that stands in contrast to the public lives they lead at school and beyond.
As the months pass, the pressure of keeping their love hidden intensifies. The couple faces constant scrutiny, and the strain of hiding who they really are begins to weigh on them. The secrecy creates distance and misunderstandings, and the looming prospect of being discovered brings tension that neither of them fully knows how to navigate. The relationship frays under the weight of fear and fear of loss, culminating in a breakup that leaves both of them to confront what they really want for their futures. Tim moves away to start college, and life moves forward in new directions, with each boy trying to redefine what happiness might look like on his own terms.
Eventually, Benjamin enters a new chapter with Jace Holden, Ben Baur, an airline steward who offers a different kind of companionship—steady, open, and grounded in mutual respect. The relationship between Ben and Jace grows into something stable and loving, a partnership that feels more explicit and honest about who they are and what they want from life together. For a time, this bond provides Ben with a sense of belonging and a peaceful space in which to grow, heal, and dream about a future that is less burdened by fear and secrecy.
But the past has a way of tugging at the present. Tim re-enters Ben’s life, now openly gay and eager to rekindle what they once shared. The dynamic shifts as Tim’s presence creates friction between Ben and Jace, stirring old patterns and pushing Ben to confront the manipulative edges of his past relationship. It becomes clear that Tim has been pressing for a reunion not to honor their connection, but to bend Ben toward a path that would compromise the life he has built with Jace. The realization forces Ben to reassess what he truly values and who he is willing to be in a relationship with.
Despite the strain, Ben and Jace manage to navigate the turmoil and reaffirm their commitment to one another. They find a way to repair the rift, affirming their love and deciding to build a life together. Their marriage becomes a testament to progress, resilience, and the possibility of finding happiness after uncertainty. The wedding marks a hopeful turning point in Ben’s journey, signaling a step toward stability and a deeper sense of self-acceptance.
Not long after, tragedy interrupts this period of growth. Jace dies abruptly, leaving Ben devastated and searching for meaning in a loss that feels incomprehensible. He returns home, encouraged by his best friend, and the absence of Jace echoes through his daily life as he grapples with grief. In a twist of fate, Tim reappears, offering a sincere apology for the roles he played in the past and the pain he caused. The reunion with Tim brings a sense of closure, a chance for Ben to acknowledge the mistakes, forgive, and acknowledge the emotional steps that led him to where he is now. The story concludes on a note of quiet reconciliation, with Ben facing the future with a tempered heart and a clearer sense of what genuine love and personal peace can look like.
Something Like Summer Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Ben meets Tim in Houston and falls for him” to “Ben returns home and Tim offers closure”. 13 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
Ben meets Tim in Houston and falls for him
Benjamin, a 17-year-old openly gay student in Houston, meets Tim, a popular athlete who is closeted. He quickly falls for Tim after a chance encounter. This marks the beginning of a complicated romance that challenges both of them.
When:late high school Where:Houston, Texas
- 2
They begin a secret relationship
Ben and Tim start a secret relationship, afraid of exposure and judgment. The secrecy strains their connection as Tim grapples with his identity and fear of disclosure.
When:late high school Where:Houston, Texas
- 3
The pressures of secrecy mount
As their high school years progress, the need to hide their relationship creates tension and mistrust. The fear of being discovered weighs on them and affects daily life.
When:late high school Where:Houston, Texas
- 4
The relationship ends in high school
The mounting strain leads to a breakup while still in high school. They part ways but are left with unresolved feelings and questions about their identities.
When:late high school Where:Houston, Texas
- 5
Tim moves away for college
Tim relocates to attend college, beginning a new chapter separate from Ben. The distance forces them to re-evaluate their paths and what they want from life.
When:early adulthood Where:College town
- 6
Ben enters a new relationship with Jace Holden
During this period, Ben meets Jace Holden, an airline steward, and a steady relationship forms. Jace provides stability and emotional support as Ben navigates his identity post-Tim.
When:early adulthood Where:Various locations
- 7
Ben and Jace's loving relationship develops
Ben and Jace grow into a stable and loving partnership. They support each other through life's ups and downs and build a life together.
When:early adulthood Where:Various locations
- 8
Tim re-enters Ben's life as an openly gay man
Tim returns into Ben's life, now openly gay and seeking to rekindle their romance. His reappearance stirs old feelings and tests Ben's commitment to Jace.
When:after Tim's coming out Where:Various locations
- 9
Tim strains the relationship with renewed influence
Tim creates friction between Ben and Jace by reviving past dynamics and pressuring Ben. The conflict threatens the stability of the marriage Ben has with Jace.
When:after Tim's return Where:Various locations
- 10
Ben realizes Tim's manipulation
Ben comes to understand that Tim has manipulated him into reconsidering the relationship at the expense of his marriage with Jace. He reevaluates his priorities and confronts Tim's tactics.
When:after Tim's return Where:Various locations
Show the other 3 events of Something Like Summer Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Ben and Jace reconcile and marry
Ben and Jace make up and reaffirm their commitment to each other, ultimately getting married. The decision marks a turning point toward establishing a lasting union.
When:after reconciliation Where:Various locations
- 12
Jace dies and Ben is heartbroken
Some time later, Jace dies abruptly, leaving Ben devastated by the loss. His heartbreak is a pivotal turning point in his life.
When:some time after marriage Where:Unknown
- 13
Ben returns home and Tim offers closure
At the urging of his best friend, Ben returns home and reunites with Tim. Tim apologizes for his past behavior, providing closure to their former relationship.
When:later period after Jace's death Where:Home
Who Are the Main Characters in Something Like Summer?
3 characters, among them Benjamin Bentley (Benjamin) — Grant Davis, Tim Wyman — Davi Santos and Jace Holden — Ben Baur: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- BB
Benjamin Bentley (Benjamin) — Grant Davis
Played by Grant Davis
A 17-year-old openly gay high school student in Houston who falls for Tim. He experiences the pressures of keeping a relationship secret, grows through his choices, and ultimately builds a life with Jace before facing heartbreak and a painful reconciliation with Tim.
- 🎯 Coming-of-age
- 💖 Romance
- 🧭 Identity
- TW
Tim Wyman — Davi Santos
Played by Davi Santos
A popular athlete who is initially closeted about his sexuality. He struggles with whether to embrace his identity, reels Ben into a secret romance, and later re-enters Ben's life openly, triggering tension and emotional conflict.
- 🏃♂️ Popularity
- 🕊️ Self-discovery
- 💔 Relationship strain
- JH
Jace Holden — Ben Baur
Played by Ben Baur
An airline steward who provides Ben with a stable, loving relationship after his early romance with Tim. They marry, sharing commitment and support, until Jace's sudden death leaves Ben heartbroken and searching for closure.
- ✈️ Travel
- 💞 Stable relationship
- 💔 Loss
Where and When Is Something Like Summer Set?
Something Like Summer is set in Houston and Texas (Contemporary). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Contemporary
The story unfolds in present-day Houston during high school and early adulthood. The teen romance and later adult chapters reflect current social dynamics around sexuality, dating, and identity. The pace moves through typical milestones: high school, college, and early marriage, with a later period of loss and reconciliation.
Where
Houston, Texas
Houston provides a contemporary urban backdrop for a coming-of-age story. The film follows Ben's high school years in a diverse, sprawling city, with scenes shifting between school corridors, neighborhoods, and moments of private romance. The setting grounds the characters in a recognizable urban American experience.
- 🌆 Urban backdrop
- 🏫 High school life
What Are the Themes of Something Like Summer?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity, Secrets and Closure.
-
01
Identity
The film centers on sexual identity and self-acceptance as Ben embraces being openly gay while navigating a closeted relationship with Tim. The tension between private desire and public acceptance drives character choices and growth. Love is tested by fear, family expectations, and social scrutiny, pushing the characters toward authenticity.
-
02
Secrets
Secrecy creates distance and hurt as Tim hides his sexuality, and Ben faces pressure to conceal their relationship. The hidden romance complicates trust, fuels manipulation, and ultimately leads to heartbreak. The story uses secrecy to explore how truth versus appearance shapes relationships.
-
03
Closure
The narrative moves from pursuit of love to loss and acceptance. Ben's marriage to Jace offers stability and happiness, followed by tragedy with Jace's death, forcing a painful but necessary reckoning. Tim's later apology provides a chance for forgiveness and personal growth, ending with a sense of closure.
What Kind of Film Is Something Like Summer?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A poignant and emotionally resonant journey through love, loss, and growth, balancing the warmth of first romance with the profound ache of grief within a steady narrative pace.
- melancholic
- reflective
- nostalgic
- romantic
- tense
- heartbreaking
- lgbtq+ romance
- coming of age
- grief and loss
- love triangle
Content notes: death of a partner.
Where to Watch Something Like Summer
Stream it on Tubi TV, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 1
Tubi TV 
Streaming availability in the US, powered by 
