While I may be thirty and have changed my wardrobe quite a bit since my teenage years, the Goth spirit still flows within me. It’s why I was so excited to watch the indie film My Summer As a Goth. It’s had a Kickstarter, an album, and other fun goodies that you can check out on the official website. The movie was directed by Tara Johnson-Medinger and stars Natalie Shershow and Jack Levis. Like many coming of age stories, it all started one summer when girl met boy. Unlike other coming of age stories, this movie dives deep into the Goth culture. It may even make you want to become one.
Not Your Average Teenage Romance
Admittedly, I really fell in love with this indie movie. I watched it with a movie critic’s eyes, but I couldn’t stop myself from becoming entrapped in the story. I became emotionally invested in the story. Shershow plays Joey – a girl who has just lost her father and has a very strained relationship with her mom. In many ways, she begins the movie as the very typical “whatever” teenager. It’s clear that there’s some tension between Joey and her mother and the best thing for Joey was to be dropped off at her grandparents for the summer while her mother goes on a book tour. Joey’s grandparents were the best. They were eccentric, fun, and kind of who I want to be when I am that age. They gave Joey enough freedom to explore herself, but were still caring and wanted the best for their granddaughter.
The Goth Boy Next Door
While at her grandparents, Joey meets the goth boy next door – Victor. Joey quickly dives into Victor’s lifestyle – changing her look and hanging out with his friends. Full disclosure, Victor is absolutely the boy your mother warned you about. Self-serving, swallow, and a complete narcissist. Victor’s friends however are great and shows that not all Goths are like Victor and his lady-friend Pandora. In fact, I loved how adorable Victor’s friends were and the fact that they genuinely like Joey.
Like most of these stories, Victor is not the boy Joey should be hanging around with because he doesn’t care about Joey’s feelings. She’s just another “pet” to him. A summer project. While Victor is frankly a dick, Joey has some great people around her. I love that her best friend Molly doesn’t question Joey’s wardrobe change or belittle her for it. She accepts it and still loves her friend. And there’s some character development for the rough and tough “punk” Antonio that I wasn’t expecting, but really loved. Plus, some much needed remedy for Joey and her mom’s relationship.
Rating: 4.5/5
I don’t want to give up the ending to My Summer As a Goth, because you should certainly watch it. I’ve never heard a better soundtrack in an indie film before this movie. While not a big-budgeted romantic flick, it’s well-done, has great scenery, and some really awesome characters. If I had to put out some negatives, I would say some of the side characters weren’t particularly the best actors, but it didn’t take away from the film. And the movie wanted to make the distinction of Goths vs Punks with Antonio’s inclusion in the story. I just wish they had went really out there with his attire – give him 70s punk instead of ripped up jeans and a leather jacket with a chain.
Still, you should watch My Summer As a Goth when it comes out on DirecTV and other streaming platforms on November 11th. It’s a fun and feel-good film that is very needed right now.
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A girl with too many fandoms to count.
