🌞 Griffin in Summer (2025): A Witty Coming-of-Age Story With a Dramatic Twist

Boxofficehype
3 days ago
2 min read

If you’re looking for a film that blends sharp humor, awkward adolescence, and a dash of summer drama, Griffin in Summer should be on your radar. Written and directed by Nicholas Colia in his directorial debut, this indie coming-of-age comedy brings a fresh voice to the genre, mixing relatable teenage struggles with the absurdity of big dreams and unexpected entanglements.

The film premiered at the Tribeca Festival on June 6, 2024, and will finally arrive in U.S. theaters on August 29, 2025. With a stellar cast led by Everett Blunck, Melanie Lynskey, Owen Teague, Abby Ryder Fortson, and Kathryn Newton, it promises to be one of the quirkiest and most heartfelt indie releases of the year.

🎭 The Story

Fourteen-year-old Griffin Nafly considers himself “the most ambitious playwright of his generation”—a title he’s bestowed upon himself, of course. Living in the bland comfort of suburban life with his parents, he spends his time crafting what he believes will be a theatrical masterpiece.

But when Brad, a charming and mysterious 25-year-old, suddenly enters Griffin’s orbit, the summer takes an unexpected turn. New friendships spark, boundaries blur, and inspiration for Griffin’s play takes on a very real—and complicated—edge. As Griffin learns, “Art imitates life… but sometimes life refuses to follow the script.”

🌟 The Cast Brings the Heat

Everett Blunck as Griffin – delivering the perfect mix of pretension, vulnerability, and teenage awkwardness.
Melanie Lynskey (The Last of Us, Yellowjackets) as Helen – Griffin’s mother, grounding the story with warmth and humor.
Owen Teague (The Stand, It) as Brad – the summer’s unexpected catalyst.
Abby Ryder Fortson (Ant-Man) as Kara – Griffin’s witty confidante.
Kathryn Newton (Freaky, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania) as Chloe – adding charm and comedic spark.

🎬 Why You’ll Love It

A fresh indie voice – Nicholas Colia’s writing is sharp, observant, and unafraid to mix humor with discomfort.
Relatable teen awkwardness – Griffin’s exaggerated self-image and clumsy emotional journey will hit close to home.
An offbeat summer vibe – perfect for fans of films like Lady Bird or The Way, Way Back.

📅 Release Date & Where to Watch

U.S. Theatrical Release: August 29, 2025
Streaming: Not yet confirmed, but likely to land on a major platform in early 2026 after its theatrical run.

💭 Final Take

Griffin in Summer isn’t just about a boy writing a play—it’s about the drama of growing up, the thrill of meeting people who change your world, and the bittersweet humor of realizing life is messier than any script. This film might just be the indie sleeper hit of the year.