Is Notes on a Summer Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2023)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2023, Notes on a Summer represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, Romance category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Writer and filmmaker Llorente’s homeland becomes the focus of a simmering drama played out amongst the beaches, squares and lush green mountains of this north-western province of Spain. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Romance 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: "Writer and filmmaker Llorente’s homeland becomes the focus of a simmering drama played out amongst the beaches, squares and lush green mountains of this north-western province of Spain. The action follows Marta as she swaps her busy life in Madrid with boyfriend Leo for a trip back to her hometown for the summer. With naturalistic settings, minimal dialogue and lingering shots, the director highlights the contrast between real life and the carefree pace of the holidays. As the summer progresses, a relationship from her past causes confusion and she’s forced to choose between the innocence and freedom of her youth and the grown-up world with all its routines and responsibilities."

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. Katia Borlado does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Diego Llorente 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 83 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 Notes on a Summer 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, Romance, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 2.7/10 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, Notes on a Summer explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2023 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Diego Llorente 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, Notes on a Summer is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Katia Borlado or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Notes on a Summer is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.