-->
Year: 2018
Runtime: 107 min
Language: English
Director: Elijah Bynum
As the sun beats down on Cape Cod, a shy teen's life becomes a tangled web of crime and romance when he partners with a charismatic dealer to move drugs, all while navigating a forbidden crush on his mysterious accomplice's captivating sister.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Hot Summer Nights yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
In the summer of 1991, Daniel, an awkward adolescent, is sent to stay with his aunt on Cape Cod after the tragic passing of his father. Initially, he is far from thrilled about the arrangement. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he encounters the local troublemaker, Hunter Strawberry. During a shift at a convenience store, Hunter urgently asks Daniel to hide marijuana just as the police are approaching. This encounter sparks a partnership between the two, leading them into the drug trade, facilitated by a shady dealer named Dex. Dex provides them with marijuana but warns of dire repercussions if they cross him.
As Daniel navigates this new world, he becomes enamored with McKayla, Hunter’s younger sister and the most sought-after girl in Cape Cod. After fleeing from her boyfriend at the drive-in, McKayla begs Daniel for a ride home. Despite Hunter’s warnings to stay away from her, Daniel finds himself irresistibly drawn to her. Their secret romance blossoms, culminating in an unexpected kiss at the summer carnival, which leads to a brutal confrontation with McKayla’s boyfriend and his crew.
Simultaneously, Hunter begins a budding relationship with Amy, the daughter of Sergant Frank Calhoun, who grows increasingly suspicious of her whereabouts. As Daniel and Hunter’s involvement in the drug business brings them significant profits, the tension in their lives escalates, paralleling the threatening approach of Hurricane Bob, which looms over Cape Cod.
Amidst their success, Daniel becomes tempted to expand their operations into cocaine, unbeknownst to Dex. When Dex discovers Daniel’s intentions, he orders Hunter to eliminate him. In a moment of desperation, Hunter urges Daniel to flee and never return. Tragically, Hunter is soon killed by Dex, leaving Daniel racing against the storm to find McKayla. However, upon arrival, he learns that she has left to reunite with her brother. In a gut-wrenching twist, McKayla makes a devastating discovery—her brother’s lifeless body—just moments after his murder, prompting her to escape the town in haste. According to the narrator, Daniel and McKayla vanish without a trace, leaving behind a tangled web of choices and heartbreak.
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 15:54
Hot Summer Nights (2018) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Hot Summer Nights (2018) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Hot Summer Nights – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Last Summer (2019) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Staten Island Summer (2015) Full Movie Breakdown
Summer of 85 (2021) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Wet Hot American Summer (2001) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
One Crazy Summer (1986) Full Movie Breakdown
Summer Rental (1985) Film Overview & Timeline
Summer School (1987) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Summer '03 (2018) Movie Recap & Themes
Summer Catch (2001) Detailed Story Recap
Summering (2022) Detailed Story Recap
Corvette Summer (1978) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Summer of '42 (1971) Detailed Story Recap
Summer of 8 (2016) Movie Recap & Themes
Summer Night (2019) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Age of Summer (2018) Plot Summary & Ending Explained