Is Summer Solstice Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Summer Solstice is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 75 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Summer Solstice Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1981, Summer Solstice emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Romance, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of An old man lives out the final years of his half-century marriage by living and remembering. Unlike standard genre fare, Summer Solstice 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 Solstice features a noteworthy lineup led by Henry Fonda . Supported by the likes of Myrna Loy and Stephen Collins , 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 Solstice (1981) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Summer Solstice Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Summer Solstice is a Drama, Romance, TV Movie 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 Solstice Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Summer Solstice 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 Solstice reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Summer Solstice?
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 Solstice
- Henry Fonda – Joshua
- Myrna Loy – Margaret
- Stephen Collins – Josh
- Lindsay Crouse – Maggie
- Thomas Ruisinger – Mr. Burnside
Top Highlights
Henry FondaJoshua
Myrna LoyMargaret
Stephen CollinsJosh
Lindsay CrouseMaggie
Thomas RuisingerMr. Burnside
Jo HendersonMrs. Burnside
Patricia ElliottEmily
Marcus SmytheRanger
Christopher ChildsJustice of the Peace
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Summer Solstice has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Drama, Romance, TV Movie), it contains romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4/10, and global collection metrics, Summer Solstice stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1981 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Summer Solstice movie hit or flop?
Summer Solstice is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.
Is Summer Solstice worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4/10, Summer Solstice may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Summer Solstice online?
Summer Solstice 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.
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How Summer Solstice Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Summer Solstice
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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.
