Film Review - 13th Summer (2024)

A new take on the ‘stranger next door‘ scenario when a couple on the verge of break up arrive at their annual tropical location for some time out by the ocean and the friends they were expecting, are missing.

Under scrutiny for an incident that went through the courts, Ben (Nathan Phillips) is a detective with massive issues including a short fuse, his caring, compassionate, extremely understanding partner Vee (Hannah Levien) has a creative edge she’s yearning to do more of.

Wondering where their uncontactable due to zero phone service holiday neighbours might be, a random young man Alex (Ben Turland) appears in the house claiming to be a friend of a friend.

Much to the dismay of Ben and Vee, this egocentric individual explains that he’s a work colleague and definitely invited.

Unfortunately it’s obvious there’s something suspicious about this guy from the moment you see him, the ever wary Ben agrees.

In opposite effect, Vee emits a sudden friendship succumbing to excessive flirting.

Is Ben a phoney backpacker, where are the actual owners of the house, are the local cops interested? All these questions and more keeps interest levels high.

There’s some good, suspenseful moments in this vengeful Australian thriller, an excellent isolated location helps a rapid paced plot with strands of sexual intrigue, emotional dilemmas, tension amongst instincts and decision making under duress.

A fair amount of intrigue surrounds the small ensemble, good performances all, round led by reliable Aussie performer Nathan Phillips (Snakes on a Plane, Blood Vessel) and a showcase for illuminating screen presence by break out star Hannah Levian who continues to overwhelm every role she’s in, small or large. See underseen, mermaid themed series Sirens, as an example of her excellence.

As the mystery man, former Neighbours star, Ben Turland is successfully creepy.

Veteran Home & Away star, Australian personality Georgie Parker has a minor although important couple of scenes as local law enforcement.

Directed by an evolving auteur with an obvious eye for detail, Tam Sainsbury.

Stay spoiler free concerning what unravels. Better than it deserves to be, 13th Summer will entertain you whilst keeping you guessing what is the actual truth.