In the summer of 1969, the film "Midnight Cowboy" shattered norms by winning the Oscar for Best Picture. Fast forward to today, and the quirky comedy "Anora" is doing the same with its bold portrayal of sex workers, proving that the industry can evolve beyond stereotypes.
Now, let’s dive into "Summer of 69," a coming-of-age flick that mixes nostalgia with a fresh twist. It tells the story of Abby, a shy Catholic schoolgirl played by Sam Morelos. Hoping to impress her long-time crush Max, she turns to a pole dancer named Santa Monica, played by Chloe Fineman. Abby believes that learning about intimacy will skyrocket her confidence, navigating a world that can feel both empowering and confusing.
The movie is a nod to classic raunchy comedies like "No Hard Feelings" and "The Girl Next Door," but it flips the script: this time, it’s a girl taking charge of her own story. Instead of using traditional sources of sexual knowledge, like adult films, Abby sneaks into a strip club to find her mentor. It’s a bold choice that reflects a shifting view on how young people explore sexuality.
Abby has a crush on Max, who has just broken up with his girlfriend. She hears he’s interested in a certain type of intimacy—"69ing"—but here’s the catch: she has zero experience. This misstep highlights a common reality: understanding intimacy goes way beyond technical skills; it’s about connection and mutual respect.
In a twist of fate, Abby discovers Santa Monica is struggling to keep her strip club afloat. If she can help raise $20,000, she’ll get to own part of the club. Coincidentally, Abby is a successful gamer on the Glitch platform, meaning she has resources at her disposal—though you might wonder why she doesn’t just go straight to Max with a proposal instead.
Recent trends show a rise in movies that empower women to be independent without needing a romantic partner. For example, Disney’s future “Snow White” is redefining fairy tales with a focus on self-fulfillment. "Summer of 69" fits right into this conversation by suggesting young women should find their own paths rather than depend on men for validation.
Co-written by Jillian Bell, Liz Nico, and Jules Byrne, "Summer of 69" stands out by depicting the friendship between Abby and Santa Monica. Unlike traditional narratives, Abby learns from a woman rather than a male figure, fostering a more nuanced dialogue about sexuality.
Though the film plays loose with reality—echoing other comedies that took similar creative liberties—it succeeds in sharing a vital message: it’s up to young people to determine when they are ready for intimacy. What matters most is whether the movie manages to be funny and relatable.
Bell brings her comedic talent to the forefront, with skilled cinematography by Maria Rusche and sharp editing from Casey Brooks making even the smallest scenes memorable. Both leads shine, especially Fineman, whose comedic timing suggests a promising film career ahead.
While "Summer of 69" may not fully respect the complexities of sex work like "Anora," it still delivers laughs and a relevant message. In today’s climate, it’s a film that captures the shifting attitudes around sex, intimacy, and female empowerment.
For additional insights on current trends in relationships and sexual education, check out studies on the evolving perspectives towards sex work and young people’s social dynamics Pew Research Center.
Check out this related article: Celebrating 50 in Style: Eva Longoria’s Glamorous Birthday Bash in Miami with Close Friends!
Source linkChloe Fineman,Jillian Bell,Summer of 69,SXSW
