Hell Of A Summer, a new generation comedy horror film starring Fred Hechinger, Finn Wolfhard, and Billy Bryk, captures the nostalgia of the 80s with its unique blend of humor and suspense. The story follows Jason Hochberg, a camp counselor who believes his biggest challenge is connecting with his teenage camp co-workers. However, he soon discovers that this year’s summer camp is filled with a mysterious twist, and he must embark on a quest to uncover the identity of the killer before everyone meets their demise.
How does it feel to collaborate with and be directed by Billy Byrk and Finn Wolfhard?
Fred Hechinger: Every day was a delay, and it’s funny you mentioned summer camp. Like all of us, we had a romanticized idea of summer camp, but none of us actually had great experiences there. So, this movie felt like it was creating that experience by filling the void. I felt so comfortable and at home with these guys when we met. It felt like we had known each other for years, shared inspirations, and just loved making movies together in a very connected way. Every day was a treat, and they’re truly gifted actors.
How did you experience the process of directing and acting in the movie?
Billy Bryk: There were challenges, like when you’re acting in a scene and then you have to jump out and focus on the movie. That’s the last thing I want to think about as an actor—where the camera is. Sometimes, I ask myself, did that line feel good to me as an actor, and did that scene look good to me as a director?
What does Hell Of A Summer feel like to you?
Finn Wolfhard: The movie was somewhat crafted with that in mind, aiming to create a contemporary piece for our generation while also striving for a timeless feel that would appeal to audiences of all ages. We wanted it to evoke the spirit of team comedies and movies from the early 2000s, while also drawing inspiration from the 80s. However, we also wanted to ensure that it felt contemporary and relevant to the current era. Striking that perfect balance between the past and the present was a key focus for us, and we were determined to achieve it.
Overall, Hell Of A Summer is hilariously scary and an enjoyable watch that won’t disappoint you.
GRADE: A
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