Dead of Summer is a supernatural horror/thriller series that premiered on Freeform in June 2016. Created by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, the show revolves around a group of teenagers who are working as counselors at a summer camp in the late 1980s. However, their idyllic summer quickly turns into a nightmare when they start experiencing strange and terrifying occurrences that go beyond the typical spooky campfire stories.
The show's main protagonist is Amy Hughes, played by Elizabeth Lail, a new counselor who tries to fit in with the rest of the group while dealing with the recent loss of her father. She quickly discovers that there is more to the camp than meets the eye, with mysterious happenings involving ghosts, a demonic presence and a shady cult.
The other counselors include Deb Carpenter, played by Elizabeth Mitchell, the camp's director who has a secret past involving the cult; Joel Goodson, played by Mark Indelicato, a gay character who struggles with both his sexuality and an abusive relationship; Drew Reeves, played by Zelda Williams, a rebellious girl with a dark past; Blair Ramos, played by Mark Wesenberg, an arrogant jock who starts to feel a sense of responsibility for his fellow counselors; Jessie Tyler, played by Paulina Singer, who is haunted by the ghost of her long-lost twin sister; and Alex Powell, played by Ronen Rubinstein, a former bad boy who is trying to turn his life around.
As the series progresses, the teenagers find themselves battling supernatural forces that seem to have a connection to the cult that Deb was once a part of. They also discover that the camp has a dark history, with a number of gruesome murders being committed on its grounds. There are also flashbacks to the 1800s which depict a group of settlers who were massacred by supernatural forces that are still present at the camp.
The show's creators Kitsis and Horowitz previously worked on the hit series Lost, and Dead of Summer contains similar elements of mystery and intrigue, with various plot twists and character revelations. The horror aspects of the show are also well-done, with effective jump scares and atmospheric music.
One aspect of Dead of Summer that sets it apart from other horror series is its focus on character development. Each of the counselors has their own backstory and personal demons, and the show explores these in depth. The relationships between the characters feel authentic and well-written, with some surprising romances and friendships forming throughout the course of the series.
The show also tackles some weighty themes, including trauma, addiction, the struggle for acceptance, and the loss of innocence. While it occasionally veers into melodrama, the emotional moments generally feel earned and add depth to the story.
Overall, Dead of Summer is a gripping and spooky horror series that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With a talented cast, well-drawn characters, and an intriguing plot, it is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
