Danger lurks beneath the surface in The 13th Summer, a tense Australian psychological thriller directed by Tam Sainsbury (Perfect Messy Holiday). This gripping film makes its UK digital debut on 9 September, courtesy of Reel 2 Reel Films.
The story follows Ben (Nathan Phillips – Snakes on a Plane) and Vee (Hannah Levien – Brand New Cherry Flavour), whose marriage is on the rocks as they head to a remote beach house for their annual holiday with friends Kate (Bec Hewitt – Home and Away) and Patrick (Jeremy Stanford – Relic). However, Kate and Patrick never show up. Instead, they encounter Alex (Ben Turland – Neighbours), a mysterious British backpacker staying in their house without explanation.
As tension mounts, the couple finds themselves ensnared in a web of lies, deceit, sexual intrigue, and revenge. But saving their relationship soon takes a back seat to saving themselves from something far worse.
At first, The 13th Summer seems reminiscent of Phillip Noyce’s 1989 thriller Dead Calm—three people, a couple, and a younger man who’s attracted to the woman, sparking tension in their isolated setting. For the film’s first hour, the conflict between Ben, the older man, and Alex, the younger, simmers steadily.
Then, two-thirds of the way in, the film turns everything on its head. What follows is a brilliantly twisty and intense third act that’s well worth the build-up. To reveal more would spoil the surprises, but rest assured, The 13th Summer will leave you on the edge of your seat, second-guessing everything you thought you knew from the start.
The 13th Summer (2024) - info
- Release date: 10 February 2023
- Genre: Thriller
- Director: Tam Sainsbury
- Writer: Jeremy Stanford
- Stars: Hannah Levien, Nathan Phillips, Ned Stanford