Between Summer and Fall (2018) Movie Review

『Between Two Different Seasons: Uncertain Love and the Time of Growth』

🎥 Movie Overview

🎬 Title: Between Summer and Fall (Original: Zwischen Sommer und Herbst, 2018)
🌍 Country: 🇩🇪 Germany
🎞️ Genre: Coming-of-Age Drama / Romance
⏳ Running Time: Approx. 96 minutes
📢 Director: Daniel Manns
🖋️ Screenplay: Daniel Manns
📺 Platforms: German TV (ARD), DVD, and selected streaming services

👩‍💼 Cast: Isabel Thierauch – Eva
Linn Reusse – Lena

🧩 In-Depth Story Exploration (Spoilers)

🌱 First Encounter, Unfamiliar Excitement

Seventeen-year-old Lena is on the verge of graduation, filled with both anticipation for a new world and underlying anxiety. In front of her appears 24-year-old Eva, her brother’s girlfriend. Eva is bright and warm, quickly bonding with Lena’s family and blending seamlessly as if she were part of the household.

🚗 Growing Closer, Boundaries Crossed

Eva helps Lena practice driving and gently encourages her shy inner self. Through shared laughter and time together, the distance between them diminishes. One day, Eva impulsively kisses Lena, startling herself and running away, while Lena is left overwhelmed by unexpected waves of emotion.

🔥 Forbidden Feelings, Emotional Outburst

Days later, Eva comes back to Lena, and they are drawn to each other, sharing love. The moment is intense, but Eva is frightened by the weight of their relationship and leaves once again.
💬 "I’ve never been this close to anyone… I’m scared." — Eva’s words strike Lena as another source of emotional pain.

✈️ Time Apart, Misaligned Paths

Time passes, and Lena goes abroad for study. Before leaving, Eva visits, expresses her feelings, and they part with a promise to reunite in six months. However, Eva does not show up, nor does she contact Lena. Two years of silence come to lie between them.

🚉 Memories at the Train Station, Trembling Reunion

Two years later, Eva unexpectedly arrives at Lena’s dormitory.
💬 "The moment I saw a back that resembled yours at the train station… my heart has been racing ever since."
Eva suggests traveling together, and the two grow close again. This time, Lena feels fear and leaves, worried Eva might disappear once more. But Eva no longer runs, and for the first time, they truly confront each other. Embracing each other’s wounds, they begin a new relationship.

🦋 Emotional Resonance and Significance

🍂 ‘Between Summer and Fall’ Symbolizes Change and Uncertainty

As the title suggests, the film delicately examines the psychology of characters standing on the threshold of growth, change, beginnings, and endings. For Lena, Eva brings an unfamiliar but intense experience of growth; for Eva, Lena awakens her first true emotional depth. Together, they navigate a period as ambiguous as 'summer and fall,' demonstrating how love can be both uncertain and beautiful.

⚖️ Social Context and Queer Coming-of-Age Narrative

Director Daniel Manns prefers calm and realistic direction focusing on the characters’ faces and dialogue rather than flashy techniques. Though it may feel subdued, this approach maximizes the tension in subtle glances and conversations, allowing the audience to deeply engage with the characters’ psychology. The film uses a clear two-act structure: the early summer/fall period of growing closeness and the reunion two years later, realistically portraying queer adolescent experiences in German society. It conveys a universal message about love and self-acceptance. By portraying fear and confusion, courage and growth authentically, the film resonates deeply not only with contemporary queer audiences but also with general viewers.

🎯 Personal Rating

💕 Love Scene Intensity: ♥♥♥
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★