Stories spanning generations—particularly those focusing on heartwarming connections between grandparents and grandchildren and offering insights into life's lessons—are often cherished by families. “The Summer Book,” a 1972 novel by Tove Jansson, serves as the basis for this new film from director Charlie McDowell. Drawing inspiration from Jansson’s own family experiences, the story centers on a recently widowed father (Anders Danielsen Lie) who spends a summer with his young daughter, Sophia (Emily Matthews), and her grandmother (Glenn Close, whose makeup is strikingly reminiscent of Mrs. Doubtfire) at a remote island vacation home in the Gulf of Finland. The narrative unfolds primarily through conversations between Sophia and her granny, addressing significant questions about growing up and aging—often during nature excursions or late-night talks within the family’s cozy home. There are also discussions between Grandma and her son, who is visibly struggling with grief over his wife's passing and consequently finds it difficult to connect with his daughter. This setup seems ripe for a film filled with poignant moments; however, those expectations aren’t consistently met because the script feels thin, overly sincere, and packed with hypothetical questions that don't really go anywhere. The movie also feels disjointed, presenting a series of loosely connected scenes that lack purpose or a clear connection to one another. It often resembles an underdeveloped young adult novel—a collection of random events intended to convey profound meaning but ultimately failing to do so. The film’s dramatic score, with its sweeping musical cues suggesting something important is about to occur, only serves to disappoint viewers. Certain scenes appear bizarre and unexplained, like when Grandma swims and then inexplicably walks naked through the woods. While I haven't read the original novel, reviews suggest that it may not have been a suitable source for adaptation, given its subtle and contemplative nature—a tone that’s difficult to capture on film. The final product seems to confirm this assessment. “The Summer Book” appears to falter in bringing its story from page to screen; while those familiar with the book might find some enjoyment, it's likely to leave others feeling confused, let down by the overwrought sentimentality and strange happenings. It’s a summer many will probably be eager to put behind them.

Source on TMDB