Performance Review: ‘Summer Night’

The coming-of-age dramedy “Summer Night” is the feature directing debut of actor Joseph Cross. The ensemble piece follows a group of friends over a span of roughly 24 hours, focusing on their night out at a local watering hole and on the twists and turns in their relationships. Cross’s film features four actors in particular who grab viewers’ attention, some of whom stand out in more positive ways than others. 

Callan McAuliffe – Taylor

McAuliffe’s performance is among the most effective in the film. The young actor gives off subtle James Dean vibes as he plays Taylor, one of many band members in the film. But Taylor is the only one to arrive at the bar where they’re performing in a cop car. His face shows signs of an altercation, but he brushes off comments about it, grabbing a drink on his way to the stage. Taylor may be a little rough around the edges, but McAuliffe plays that quality with subtlety and blends it nicely with the sweeter side that emerges when he romances Dana (played by Ella Hunt). There’s a certain effortlessness in his acting, and the consistency of his work throughout the film suggests a well-developed technique. His nuanced performance points to a promising future for the Aussie.  

Analeigh Tipton – Mel

Tipton’s on-camera work began when she was a contestant on “America’s Next Top Model,” but her performance in “Summer Night” shows that the model-turned-actress has come a long way from reality TV. She’s acquired solid film and TV credits leading up to “Summer Night,” and her portrayal of Mel proves Tipton’s considerable acting chops. Viewers are introduced to Mel as she’s processing some serious news. Given the limitations of the film’s timeline, however, the stakes of what she’s just discovered doesn’t provide Tipton with much opportunity for an emotional arc. Even so, Tipton might have inserted a bit more range into Mel’s emotional landscape, but overall, she delivers. The actress’s voice quality and large, expressive eyes make for a unique on-camera presence that make Tipton—and her performance—stand out.

Victoria Justice – Harmony

Thanks to her years on Nickelodeon, Justice’s name may have more mainstream recognition than most of her co-stars, but hers is a relatively small role. Justice plays Harmony, the town’s “bad girl,” a reputation she reinforces with her wardrobe choices and reckless driving. Viewers meet Harmony as her date arrives at her house. She greets him in sky-high heels and with a baby on her hip. She lets on that it’s her child for a couple of beats before announcing, “I’m just f—ing with you,” and explaining that the baby is actually her niece. It’s a great introduction to her character, and Justice nails the “tough girl” persona. After this scene, though, Justice loses that quality and the sweetness of a former Nickelodeon star emerges from the leather-clad Harmony. While Justice’s character work doesn’t overcome the challenges of an against-type role, her actual acting stays connected and grounded during her scenes.

Ellar Coltrane – Jameson 

There are no acting schools listed on Coltrane’s IMDb page, a noticeable difference when compared to the amount of training that tops McAuliffe’s page. This doesn’t mean that Coltrane has had no training as an actor, but based on his performance in “Summer Night,” he might benefit from additional study. Between his flat line delivery and an awkward on-camera presence, Coltrane’s overall believability remains a tough sell throughout the film. His character’s dialogue suggests a character possessing a certain confidence, but Coltrane’s performance belies that quality. For someone who literally grew up on camera, Coltrane seems uncomfortable in front of the lens.

McAuliffe and Tipton deliver engaging performances that help carry “Summer Night” while their co-stars’ work leave something to be desired. Viewers looking for a slice-of-life about youthful relationships will enjoy “Summer Night,” thanks to the effective character work and technique on display by some of its cast. Actors in the audience can learn from these performances while celebrating a fellow thespian’s jump into the director’s chair.

 
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