On a tranquil island in the Gulf of Finland, a young Sophia (Emily Matthews) begins to come into her own while exploring the coasts and crevices of her summertime home. Quietly reckoning with the recent death of her mother, Sophia is guided through the season by her grandmother (Glenn Close), a similarly headstrong and adventurous spirit, and her father (Anders Danielsen Lie).

The pair explores the beauty of the moss, sneak onto neighboring islands, build tree-bark birds, and discuss the merits of sleeping in a tent, all while Sophia compiles her experiences into her hand-bound Summer Book. Through a charming series of vignettes following the launch of one person’s life and the denouement of another’s, the family trio’s bonds are toughened by the rough Finnish tides.

Meditative and nostalgic, Charlie McDowell’s realization of Tove Jansson’s beloved Nordic novel is a deeply affecting ode to the natural world, the cycle of generations, and grief overcome.

Director: Charlie McDowell (Finland/UK 2024) 90 min