RATING★ 6.8
WORTH IT? MAYBE
My Summer as a Goth backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for My Summer as a Goth.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is My Summer as a Goth Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

After the sudden death of her father, sixteen-year-old Joey Javitts is sent to stay with her grandparents while her author mother promotes her latest novel. Joey promptly falls for the beguiling goth boy next door, Victor, and is transformed by him and his merry band of misfits in black. A coming-of-age story about the sometimes painful—and often entertaining—search for identity and love in adolescence.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Drama, Comedy cinema, then My Summer as a Goth offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2019 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Drama films
Fans of Comedy films

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2019, My Summer as a Goth represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, Comedy category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into After the sudden death of her father, sixteen-year-old Joey Javitts is sent to stay with her grandparents while her author mother promotes her latest novel. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "After the sudden death of her father, sixteen-year-old Joey Javitts is sent to stay with her grandparents while her author mother promotes her latest novel. Joey promptly falls for the beguiling goth boy next door, Victor, and is transformed by him and his merry band of misfits in black. A coming-of-age story about the sometimes painful—and often entertaining—search for identity and love in adolescence."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. In My Summer as a Goth, we see Natalie Shershow utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.

The direction by Tara Johnson-Medinger is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 97 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is My Summer as a Goth truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, Comedy, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.8/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, My Summer as a Goth explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2019 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Tara Johnson-Medinger respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, My Summer as a Goth serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Natalie Shershow or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, My Summer as a Goth is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: RECOMMENDED - QUALITY CINEMA

⏳ Time Investment

97MIN

At approximately 1.6 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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