A Summer's Tale

A Summer's Tale

Year: 2014

Runtime: 113 min

Language: French

Director: Eric Rohmer

Budget: $60M

DramaComedyRomance

During his summer vacation, recent college graduate Gaspard finds himself by the Brittany coast, navigating the complexities of love and friendship. With the possibility of a relationship hanging in the balance, he experiences a series of unexpected encounters and forms meaningful connections. As the summer progresses, Gaspard is challenged to examine his own desires and the true nature of relationships, leading to a journey of self-discovery.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – A Summer's Tale (2014)

Trace every key event in A Summer's Tale (2014) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Gaspard's Arrival in Dinard

Gaspard, a recent mathematics graduate, arrives in the serene seaside town of Dinard for his summer vacation. He settles into his friend's vacated flat, ready to immerse himself in composing music and exploring the picturesque surrounding streets.

Dinard
2

Meeting Margot

While frequenting a local restaurant, Gaspard meets Margot, a spirited waitress with a passion for life. Their initial encounters are tentative, but a warm friendship quickly develops, leading to daily strolls through the charming town.

Local Restaurant, Dinard
3

Margot's Research

Margot reveals that she is conducting ethnological research with local Bretons, highlighting her academic pursuits. As they bond, Gaspard opens up about his tumultuous relationship with his on-and-off girlfriend, Léna, who is planning to visit Dinard.

4

Advice from Margot

Gaspard shares the complexities of his romantic life with Margot, who provides him with thoughtful advice. Their connection deepens, but in a moment of awkwardness, Gaspard attempts to kiss Margot, only to have her gently deflect his advances.

5

Exploring Folk Songs

Margot takes Gaspard on a research expedition to a local fisherman's home, where they explore traditional maritime folk songs. Inspired by this experience, Gaspard composes his own sea shanty, marking a shift in his musical style.

Fisherman's Home
6

Evening with Friends

Later, Gaspard joins Margot and her friends for an energetic evening of dancing at a local bar. Although he feels slightly out of place amidst the revelry, the night marks further bonding with Margot and her social circle.

Local Bar, Dinard
7

Sailing Adventure with Solène

The next day, Gaspard meets Solène, one of Margot's confident friends, who invites him for a sailing adventure on her uncle's boat. Their chemistry grows as Gaspard teaches her the sea shanty he created, uplifting his spirits.

Sailing off the Coast
8

Léna's Surprise Re-appearance

Unexpectedly, Gaspard encounters Léna on the beach, thrilled about their reunion. This newfound excitement complicates Gaspard's feelings, as he confides in Margot about the emotional turmoil between his prior commitment and his growing attraction to Solène.

Beach, Dinard
9

Double-Booking Dilemma

As Gaspard struggles with his feelings, he finds himself in a double-booking dilemma, promising trips to both Léna and Solène. Margot challenges Gaspard's tendency to vacillate between relationships, leading him to reconsider his romantic choices.

10

Kiss with Margot

In a moment of intimacy during another outing, Gaspard and Margot share a kiss that ignites new feelings between them. Frustrated with Léna's uncertainty and Solène's expectations, Gaspard begins to realize his connection with Margot may be more genuine.

11

Plans to Travel

As Gaspard attempts to address his tangled commitments, both Léna and Solène reach out to him with plans to join him on a trip. Overwhelmed by the situation, he considers an opportunity to escape by purchasing recording equipment in Rennes.

Rennes
12

Farewell with Margot

Before departing, Gaspard meets Margot at the ferry to Saint Malo, where she shares updates about her long-distance boyfriend. Gaspard learns that Margot also has intentions to visit Ouessant, leaving him shocked about her future plans.

Ferry, Saint Malo
13

Ambiguous Plans

As they make vague plans to see each other again, Gaspard and Margot share a passionate farewell kiss before he boards the ferry. This farewell underlines the unresolved emotions between them, accentuated by the anticipation of their future.

Ferry, Saint Malo
14

Departure and Reflection

As the ferry sets sail, Margot waves goodbye to Gaspard, who reflects on the complexities of his recent relationships. The echoes of his sea shanty, 'Santiano,' resonate, symbolizing the unresolved sentiments and experiences he holds.

On the ferry

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:35

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Wistful Summer Self-Discovery Movies like A Summer's Tale

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a character, often at a crossroads, who spends a summer in a beautiful, often coastal, location. The plot is driven by character interactions and internal reflection rather than external events, leading to a journey of self-discovery that culminates in an ambiguous or bittersweet ending, emphasizing personal growth over tidy resolutions.

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These films are grouped by their shared mood of wistful nostalgia, a slow, observational pacing that mirrors a lazy summer, and a central theme of using a specific season as a backdrop for exploring identity, relationships, and the pain and beauty of transience.

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Narrative Summary

The plot revolves around a protagonist who is emotionally available but commitment-averse, forming multiple meaningful connections. The central tension comes from their inability to choose, leading to a narrative that explores the nuances of each relationship. The story concludes without a definitive romantic resolution, instead highlighting the protagonist's personal journey.

Why These Movies?

This thread connects films based on their shared focus on ambivalence as a core romantic theme, a low-intensity and character-driven approach to love stories, and an acceptance of ambiguity that mirrors the complexities of real-life relationships.

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A Summer's Tale Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Summer's Tale

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Summer's Tale

A Summer's Tale Spoiler-Free Summary

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A Summer's Tale Spoiler-Free Summary

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