Cruel Summer is a psychological thriller television series that premiered on FreeForm in 2021. The show is set in the 1990s in a small Texas town, and follows the lives of two teenage girls, Kate Wallis (Olivia Holt) and Jeanette Turner (Chiara Aurelia). The series is set over three different summers - 1993, 1994, and 1995. Each summer, the perspective shifts between Jeanette and Kate, providing different viewpoints and raising questions about their past and present.
At the beginning of the show, Jeanette Turner is a shy, nerdy girl who idolizes Kate Wallis, the popular and rich girl in school. However, things take a dark turn when Kate goes missing and Jeanette is accused of knowing more than she lets on. As the story unfolds, the audience is left wondering if Jeanette is really the innocent girl she seems to be.
The show is full of twists and turns, with each episode providing new clues and raising new questions. The audience is constantly kept on their toes, trying to piece together the truth about what happened to Kate.
The performances in the show are incredible, with Olivia Holt and Chiara Aurelia both delivering powerful performances as the show's leads. Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Blake Lee, Michael Landes, and Brooklyn Sudano all provide strong supporting performances as well.
One of the strengths of the show is its exploration of the complexities of adolescence. The characters are all grappling with difficult issues like identity, class, and trauma. The show also does an excellent job of capturing the nostalgia of the 90s, with its fashion, music, and general aesthetic.
Overall, Cruel Summer is an intense and suspenseful show that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The show's themes and performances elevate it beyond your typical teen drama, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for a gripping psychological thriller.
Cruel Summer is a series that ran for 15 seasons (21 episodes) between April 20, 2021 and on FreeForm
