Is Summer Lightning Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Summer Lightning is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Summer Lightning Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1985, Summer Lightning emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Sir Robert Clarke looks back on his life and the summer when as a 16-year-old he first fell in love with Louise St. Unlike standard genre fare, Summer Lightning attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Summer Lightning features a noteworthy lineup led by Edward Rawle-Hicks . Supported by the likes of Paul Scofield and Leonie Mellinger , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Summer Lightning (1985) is negative. With an audience rating of 2.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Summer Lightning Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Summer Lightning is a Drama, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Summer Lightning Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Summer Lightning attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Summer Lightning reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Summer Lightning?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Summer Lightning
- Edward Rawle-Hicks – Young Robert Clarke
- Paul Scofield – Old Robert Clarke
- Leonie Mellinger – Louise St.Leger
- Tom Bell – Mr Clark
- Dearbhla Molloy – Mrs Clark
Top Highlights
Edward Rawle-HicksYoung Robert Clarke
Paul ScofieldOld Robert Clarke
Leonie MellingerLouise St.Leger
Tom BellMr Clark
Dearbhla MolloyMrs Clark
Maureen ToalDolly St.Leger
David WarnerGeorge Millington
Donal McCannDr Lestrange
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Summer Lightning has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Drama, Romance), it contains romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 2/10, and global collection metrics, Summer Lightning stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1985 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Summer Lightning movie hit or flop?
Summer Lightning is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 2/10 and lower collections.
Is Summer Lightning worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 2/10, Summer Lightning may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Summer Lightning online?
Summer Lightning may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
How Summer Lightning Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Summer Lightning
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
