Out On Film: ‘Summer Fling’ Reveals a Sexy, Mysterious Game of Resistance

The afterglow of a clandestine hookup opens Krit Komkrichwarakool’s sexy, dizzying film, Summer Fling. As these two men slowly put their clothes back on, the wind heard in the distance, they opt to stay in each other’s company for just a few more minutes. Komkrichwarakool has a knack for blending the sumblimely intimate with something slightly off-kilter, and Summer Fling feels like a reluctant farewell, like that moment when you feel someone pulling apart from a much-needed embrace.

Milo and Helio only meet once a year. They don’t text or chat with each other. They mess around and bid adieu–the countdown to their next play time on the horizon as they leave the previous one behind. Helio comes to town for its annual “festival in the sky” but Milo notes that he’s not like other visitors. “Tourists like to talk about themselves, and I don’t know a single thing about you,” he says.

That comment spurs Helio to propose a game called Resist–it was something that him and his friends used to play. Everyone offers up a fact about themsevles that they couldn’t resist and the other participants must decide if this fact is the truth or a lie. It’s like emotionally bare truth or dare. If you guess correct, you get to ask another question.

The game might feel low-stakes, but the questions offer hard, honest truths. As much as they might try to refuse to connect with one another, their sex connects their bodies. Komkrichwarakool has part of their bodies exposed at all times. Helio puts on his shirt but leaves it open, exposing his furry, bare chest. Milo’s biceps are out. Sure, it’s summer and they hooked up outside in a field, but they are comfortable with each other. It’s flirtatious.

Last year, I was a huge fan of Komkrichwarakool’s Auganic, a drama about a married couple reconnecting after an otherworldly experience makes them question practical things in their relationship. Summer Fling explores how we don’t embrace affection and real connection because we are afraid of being hurt. Sometimes accepting the next step or opening up your heart can feel alien or foreign when you are holding onto your own fears. Charley Hur and Jesse Irving are swoon-worthy–both handsome, sensitive presences on screen. Komkrichwarakool should be commended for consistently bringing such chemistry to the screen.

Summer Fling will next play Rochesters ImageOut Film Festival on October 16.