Latest news with #JillianBell
Forbes
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Summer Of 69' Star Sam Morelos Talks Acting And Being Asian American
Sam Morelos In the new Hulu original comedy Summer of 69, Sam Morelos stars as Abby Flores, a socially awkward high school senior who's determined to win her crush after learning he has recently broken up with his longtime girlfriend. When Abby hears of his particular fondness for a certain sexual position, she hires a local stripper named Santa Monica (played by Chloe Fineman) to give her a crash course in the 'bedroom department,' leading to an unlikely friendship and a journey of self-discovery. Poster for 'Summer of 69' There's a lot to like about comedian Jillian Bell's directorial debut—its quirky humor, the nods to classic teen comedies like Risky Business, its ability to entertain audiences without being too raunchy (there isn't a single sex scene in Summer of 69, despite the title). But perhaps the best part about the movie is Morelos' show-stopping performance as Abby. Morelos makes Abby wholly believable and endearingly awkward, delivering lines with an impeccable comedic timing usually seen in only the most seasoned actors. It's hard to believe that Morelos is only 19 years old and just finished their freshman year of college. They enrolled at NYU's prestigious Tisch School of the Arts last August—less than two weeks after filming for Summer of 69 had concluded. 'It was the craziest turnaround,' Morelos tells Forbes. 'I wrapped Summer of 69, had a vacation for like a week, and then two days later, I moved into my dorm.' For the young but already in-demand actor, a packed calendar is nothing new. Recently they've been cast in the upcoming screen adaptation of the Colleen Hoover novel Regretting You, which completed filming in Atlanta earlier this month. 'I would fly back and forth to New York like every other weekend from Atlanta. I've been on a plane 12 times in the past month,' Morelos says. Fortunately, that dizzying schedule has taught them to strike a healthier balance between school and acting. 'Because I had that experience, now I know for the future that it's not worth putting 50% of yourself everywhere. I'm learning to choose one at a time,' the busy actor admits. 'I feel like my college experience is not going to be linear. If I don't go to school, that means I'm working, and I get to learn somewhere else. And if I don't book, that means I get to go to school. I tried to have both things at the same time. I'm glad I did it, because now I'm not gonna do it again.' SUMMER OF 69 - An awkward high school senior hires an exotic dancer to help seduce her longtime ... More crush before graduation, leading to unexpected friendship and lessons in self-confidence, acceptance, and adulthood. (Disney/Brett Roedel) SAM MORELOS, CHLOE FINEMAN Morelos, who grew up in San Gabriel Valley just outside of Los Angeles, started out doing musical theater in their local community at the age of four. 'I was a singer first. I didn't think I was a very good actor,' Morelos reveals. The budding star was studying musical theater at a local performing arts high school when the pandemic hit. They credit one of their acting teachers at the school for making them fall in love with acting. 'She was like, 'We can't do musical theater on Zoom. Let's make this a camera acting class,'' says Morelos. 'I was like, 'Oh my God, I love this!' And then that year, I switched into the acting department, and it was that year that I booked That '90s Show.' That '90s Show—the spinoff of That '70s Show—was Morelos' first taste of professional acting. Morelos, who received rave reviews for their performance as Nikki Velasco in the sitcom, eventually landed the role at the age of 16 after submitting to an open casting call, launching their whirlwind introduction to Hollywood. 'I got the call that I got '90s on a Thursday, and then on Friday, I told my teachers that I'm not going to be in class for two months. Saturday and Sunday, we had to find some way of getting a work permit really quickly for a minor, and then Monday, I was on set for pre-production, COVID testing and costume fittings,' Morelos says. 'So yeah, in conclusion, I don't sleep, and I haven't slept since,' they comment half-jokingly. Summer of 69 marks Morelos' feature film debut. As for what drew them to the movie, Morelos remembers 'laughing out loud' when they first read the script and thinking that it was something they would want to watch. 'And the more I got to know Abby, and the more I got to know about Jillian and the production and what the messages were, it went beyond my expectation of what this movie could be, which is—at its core—a movie about self-love, confidence, taking your own time to do things and being true to yourself,' Morelos says. SUMMER OF 69 - An awkward high school senior hires an exotic dancer to help seduce her longtime ... More crush before graduation, leading to unexpected friendship and lessons in self-confidence, acceptance, and adulthood. (Disney/Brett Roedel) SAM MORELOS 'Also, the makeover that Abby undergoes is not the typical ones that you see in these teen sex comedies, where the protagonist takes off her glasses, takes her hair down. The second that she fits into a mold of what a woman is supposed to look like and be, she's desirable,' Morelos points out. 'It was so not Abby. Abby's a nerd. Abby likes to game, and the second that she started to really embrace the things that she loves about herself, she [becomes] a magnet to other people, because people really want to be around people who know themselves.' To bring Abby to life on screen, Morelos explains that they focused heavily on physicalizing the character. 'I thought a lot about how Abby takes up space—just physical space. How does she carry herself? How does she walk? She waddles a little bit. She's very stiff. The posture that she has is very hunched over and almost protective—like she's protecting something about herself,' Morelos says. 'But as she gets more confident, you see her spine straighten a little more, and you see her more willing to take up space,' Morelos goes on. 'There's a parallel shot of Abby walking across the parking lot at the very beginning, and also at sort of the middle. We shot [both scenes] on the same day because it's the same setup, but in one, I was hunched over with my head down, and in the second take, Abby was waving to people, like, 'Oh, hey, how are you doing?' Just taking up space. Abby never changed—she just grew.' Director, co-producer and co-writer Jillian Bell and actor Sam Morelos on the set of the Hulu movie ... More 'Summer of 69' Morelos notes that they and director Jillian Bell—who also co-wrote the screenplay—shared the same perspective on Abby, which made the character feel very relatable to Morelos. 'Jillian had a very specific vision for Abby, and we just happened to agree. It was really inspired by her life, because Abby is Jillian, almost. And Santa Monica kind of represents the mentorship that she got from her older sister Breanna, who produced Summer of 69.' It also helped that, like Abby, both Bell and Morelos came from a Catholic background. 'Jillian went to Catholic school, [where] topics around sex are just shrouded in shame and guilt. I'm the kid of two immigrant parents from the Philippines, and I grew up Catholic and went to church every Sunday. So it was something I could relate to,' says Morelos. 'But I don't think it's a coincidence. It felt like fate,' they add. Sam Morelos as Abby Flores and Chloe Fineman as Santa Monica in 'Summer of 69' Like Morelos, Abby Flores is of Filipino descent, but the character wasn't originally written that way in the script. 'The audition that I got was any ethnicity, and then the second that I was cast, Abby's Filipina,' Morelos says. 'Same as in That '90s Show—Nikki never had a last name, and then season two, it was Nikki Velasco. I think that I'm so vocal about it that productions can't unhear my voice being like, 'Yeah, I'm a proud Filipino American.' It's a huge part of my identity. It's the one thing I can't take off. So every single character that I will ever be will always be Filipino. Always.' In Summer of 69, Philippine influences can be seen throughout Abby's house, though Morelos points out that they fortunately didn't have to push for any of that. 'Our set designer is also an Asian American woman. So she knew,' says Morelos. Besides the Philippine flag proudly displayed in Abby's room, elements of her Filipino heritage can be found throughout the kitchen. 'There's a whole box of mangoes and shrimp chips. There's a 'Live Laugh Love Lumpia' sign. Like little details,' Morelos explains. 'And for some reason, in every Filipino household, there's a giant wooden fork and spoon decoration in the kitchen. Don't know why, but that was in there too.' And with Summer of 69 premiering in May—which also happens to be AAPI Heritage Month—some viewers might be wondering: was that a pure coincidence? 'It's fate,' Morelos says with a smile. Summer of 69 is currently streaming on Hulu.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New On Hulu May 2025, Plus What's Coming Next
The list of new titles streaming on Hulu in May is serving up terrific titles all month long. Get ready for all the excellent movies and shows coming out, including the releases Hulu Original movies and series like Summer of '69,The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Season 2 Premiere, and more, all coming your way within the next few weeks. Other noteworthy titles to look out for this month include additional Hulu and FX Original titles like Nine Perfect Strangers: Season 2 Premiere, Welcome to Wrexham: Season 4 Premiere, and Adults: Complete Season 1. So, if you're trying to decide what to watch right now, Hulu's definitely got you covered with everything they've got coming your way in May. Each month, Hulu adds a varied and impressive list of movies and specials new and old. Out of a lineup full of big-name hits, this recently released title stands out as the best new special coming to the platform this month. Jillian Bell makes her directorial debut with this Hulu Original comedy film that follows awkward high school senior Abby Flores (Sam Morelos) on her slightly unusual path to attract her longtime crush, Max (Matt Cornett). In hopes of learning some lessons in the art of seduction, Abby hires exotic dancer Santa Monica (Chloe Fineman) for some pointers, and in the process, embarks on a hilarious and heartwarming journey towards newfound friendships, confidence, acceptance, and self-discovery. New Hulu series, seasons, and episodes drop this month to much anticipation. The lineup of new shows on Hulu this May features premieres for some of the most hyped series this year. But, among all the awesomeness, these two titles stand out. Here are the best new shows on Hulu this month. Reality series Vanderpump Villa returns to Hulu early this month for a brand new season, tracking the exploits of Lisa Vanderpump's latest luxurious villa, this time leaving France behind to follow an elite crew working at Vanderpump's Castello Rosato in Italy's Umbria region. In this new setting steeped in history, elegance, and timeless style, big celebrations and affluent guests bring engrossing drama and entertainment that you won't want to miss. After a breakout first season, Hulu Original reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives makes its highly anticipated return as it takes viewers back to Utah amidst the juicy world of Mormon #MomTok. The surprise return of a swinger from #MomTok's sex scandal makes a major splash as friendships are tested and drama explodes like never before. See it all go down in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Season 2 as soon as it premieres this month, only on Hulu. Wondering what else you'll be able to watch on Hulu this month? Here's the full list of new movies and shows coming out on Hulu streaming in May 2025: Alienoid (2022) Alienoid 2 (2024) Alone Australia: Complete Season 1 Anaconda (1997) Anaconda – En Español (1997) Attack The Block (2011) Attack the Block – En Español (2011) Austenland (2013) Austenland – En Español (2013) Babylon A.D. (2008) Bad Teacher (2011) Bad Teacher – En Español (2011) Basic (2003) Basic – En Español (2003) Battle of the Year (2013) Battle Of The Year – En Español (2013) Con Air (1997) Courage Under Fire (1996) Deliver Us From Evil (2020) Enemy Of The State (1998) Far From the Madding Crowd (2015) Georgia Rule (2007) Hacksaw Ridge (2016) History's Greatest Escapes with Morgan Freeman: Complete Season 2 Horrible Bosses (2011) Horrible Bosses 2 (2014) Inmate to Roommate: Complete Season 2 Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (2013) Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa – En Español (2013) James Brown: Say It Loud: Complete Season 1 Jeopardy! Masters: Season 3 Premiere (ABC) Joy (2015) Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014) Kung Fu Panda (2008) Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) Little Fockers (2010) Maid in Manhattan (2002) Maid in Manhattan – En Español (2002) Man on Fire (2004) Meet the Fockers (2004) Meet the Parents (2000) Meet the Spartans (2008) Mission: Impossible (1996) Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011) Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol – En Español (2011) Mission: Impossible II (2000) Mission: Impossible II – En Español (2000) Mission: Impossible III (2006) Mission: Impossible III – En Español (2006) Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story Naruto Shippuden: Complete Season 9 (DUBBED) (Viz) Once (2007) Once Upon a Time in America (1984) Pawn Stars: Complete Season 22 Prospect (2018) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Sex Tape (2014) Sex Tape – En Español (2014) Shadow (2018) Spy (2015) Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983) Street Kings (2008) Stuber (2019) Super Troopers 2 (2018) Take Me Home Tonight (2011) Tears of the Sun (2003) That's My Boy (2012) The 5th Wave (2016) The 5th Wave – En Español (2016) The Chicano Squad: Complete Season 1 The Childe (2023) The Guardian (2006) The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil (2019) The Infiltrator (2016) The Insider (1999) The King's Man (2021) The Marine (2006) The Negotiator (1998) The Power Of One (1992) The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (2013) The Villainess (2017) The Wailing (2016) The Witch: Subversion (2018) The Witch 2: The Other One (2022) Tropic Thunder (2008) Waitress (2007) Wedding Crashers (2005) 72 Hours (2024) Decision to Leave (2022) Harbin (2024) Pita Hall: Film Premiere *Hulu Original The Last Word (2017) Escape (2024) Evil Lives Here: Complete Season 13 Jimmy O. Yang: Guess How Much (2023) Naked and Afraid: Complete Season 10 Naked and Afraid XL: Complete Season 3 Unsellable Houses: Complete Season 2 Insidious: The Red Door (2023) Insidious: The Red Door – En Español (2023) Kun by Agüero: Complete Limited Series (SUBBED) *Hulu Original 60 Days In: Complete Season 9 Alone Australia: Complete Season 2 Find My Country House: Australia: Complete Season 1 New House No Debt: Complete Season 1 Pil's Adventures (2021) Vanderpump Villa: Complete Season 2 *Hulu Original Behind Enemy Lines (2001) Commando (1985) Hitman (2007) Hitman: Agent 47 (2015) Men Of Honor (2000) Summer of '69: Film Premiere *Hulu Original The Damned (2024) The Thin Red Line (1998) The Transporter (2002) The UnXplained: Complete Season 7 Transporter 2 (2005) Blonde and Blonder (2008) Expedition Unknown: Complete Season 6 How It's Made: Complete Season 21 My 600-lb Life: Complete Season 2 My 600-lb Life: Where Are They Now?: Complete Season 1 Robert Durst: An ID Murder Mystery: Complete Season 1 Scorned: Love Kills: Complete Season 2 Strangerland (2015) Trust (2010) Vengeance: A Love Story (2017) War Inc. (2008) I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss: Complete Season 1 (SUBBED & DUBBED) My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!: Complete Season 1 (SUBBED & DUBBED) Hell's Paradise: Complete Season 1 (SUBBED & DUBBED) Shangri-La Frontier: Complete Season 1 (SUBBED & DUBBED) Good Bad Things (2023) Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation – En Español (2015) Not Others: Complete Season 1 (SUBBED) Beach Hunters: Complete Season 7 Cake Boss: Complete Season 15 Container Homes: Complete Season 1 Curb Appeal: Complete Season 25 Cutthroat Kitchen: Complete Season 4-5 Dr. Pimple Popper: Complete Season 5 Extreme Homes: Complete Season 5 Flea Market Flip: Complete Seasons 10 and 14 Island Life: Complete Seasons 19 and 20 My 600-lb Life: Complete Season 3 My Strange Addiction: Complete Season 5 and 6 Naked and Afraid: Complete Season 9 Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta: Complete Season 7 Tanked: Complete Seasons 13-15 The Last Alaskans: Complete Season 4 The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Season 2 Premiere *Hulu Original Undercover Billionaire: Complete Season 2 Unusual Suspects: Complete Season 7 Worst Cooks in America: Complete Season 24 Crossroads (2002) Matteo Lane: The Al Dente Special (2025) *Hulu Original The Last Breath (2025) Welcome to Wrexham: Season 4 Premiere *FX Production Death by Fame: Complete Season 1 Destinations of the Damned With Zak Bagans: Complete Season 1 Expedition X: Complete Season 6-7 Jim Gaffigan: Noble Ape (2018) Jim Gaffigan: Quality Time (2019) Jimmy O. Yang: Good Deal (2020) Spring Baking Championship: Complete Season 1-3 Zarna Garg: One in a Billion (2023) American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story (2021) Night Call (2024) Nine Perfect Strangers: Season 2 Premiere *Hulu Original Nine Puzzles: Series Premiere *Hulu Original Ancient Aliens: Complete Season 20 Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service: Series Premiere (Fox) Intervention: Complete Season 25 Jump!: Complete Season 1 Outrageous Love with Nene Leakes: Complete Season 1 Taken in Plain Sight (2024) The Last Showgirl (2024) BBQ Brawl: Flay V. Anderson V. Burrell: Complete Season 4 Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern: Complete Season 3 Fixer Upper: Welcome Home: Complete Season 1 Gold Rush: Complete Season 1 Homestead Rescue: Complete Season 12 How to Please a Woman (2022) Re: Zero: Complete Season 1 The Seed of the Sacred Fig (2024) Tower of God: Complete Season 1 Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy: Complete Season 1 Adults: Complete Season 1 *FX Production The Silencing (2020) Into the Deep (2024) Rickey Smiley: Untitled (2025) House Hunters: Complete Season 253 House Hunters International: Complete Season 18 Leanne Morgan: So Yummy (2018) Mysteries at the Museum: Complete Season 24 Tournament of Champions: Complete Season 1 Vanished in New Canaan: An ID Mystery: Complete Season 1 Still wondering what Hulu content is on the horizon? Here is one fresh title to look forward to watching on Hulu within the next few months: Serving as a prequel to the beloved 1979 science fiction horror film Alien, Alien: Earth is a sci-fi horror series set three decades before the events of Alien. The show follows a young woman named Wendy (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag crew of tactical soldiers as they make a major discovery that confronts them with Earth's greatest threat yet following the sudden crash landing of a mysterious space vessel. Look forward to getting in on all the engrossing action as soon as Alien: Earth premieres on Hulu this summer. Hulu's new releases are just a portion of the new movies and shows you can watch this month if you've got more than one streaming service subscription. We update our guides to the new releases on the most popular streaming platforms every month, so you can stay on top of the freshest titles to watch. Here are full lists, schedules, and reviews for everything streaming: New on Netflix this month New on Amazon Prime this month New on Disney+ this month New on HBO Max this month New on Starz this month New on BritBox this month New on Acorn TV this month New on Tubi this month New on Paramount+ this month New on Peacock this month
The Review Geek
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Summer of 69 (2025) Recap & Ending Explained – Does Abby win Max over?
Summer of 69 Plot Summary Hulu's Summer of 69, directed by Jillian Bell, follows Abby (Sam Morelos), a high school teenager eager to get with her childhood crush, Max (Matt Cornett). Max's recent break-up with his long-time girlfriend Mercedes (Ava DeMary) gives Abby the chance to fulfil her sexual desires before high school is over. However, Abby has so much to learn, and the only place to find the wisdom she seeks is the local strip club, Diamond Dolls. The confidence of the club's top dancer, Santa Monica (Chloe Fineman) blows Abby away. Therefore, she decides to hire Monica as her tutor. Why does Monica agree to tutor Abby? Diamond Dolls is like a second home for Monica and her friends who work at the strip club. The club has not been doing well, so the owner took a loan from another club owner, Rick Richards. The deal was that if Betty could not pay back the loan on time, Rick would take over the club. Rick is a prick, and Monica does not like him. She had auditioned for his club before, and Rick had asked her to dance naked for the audition. To save the club, they need to come up with 20k in one week. Therefore, when Abby calls, Monica answers. At first, Monica does not like the idea since Abby is a teenager and might not have the money. Abby makes a down payment of 5K, promising to pay the rest within a week. Monica agrees to be her tutor so she can raise the money and become the club's owner. What happens between Abby and Monica? Monica first says that they should not have small talks as their relationship is strictly professional. However, they soon start to vibe and become friends. Monica teaches Abby about sex by taking her to a sex toy shop. She also tries to instil more confidence into Abby so she can be more interesting. This does not mean having extreme makeovers, but it is about helping Abby become more confident in her skin. Abby starts to walk more confidently to school, saying hi to friends, and can talk to Max without hallucinating. On the other hand, Abby learns that even though Monica looks confident, she has low self-esteem because she feels like she has not done anything significant with her life. Monica went to the same high school as Abby, and she still hides from former teachers and classmates. Their class is planning a reunion, but Monica does not plan to attend. Monica opens up to Abby about herself, saying that she feels like a failure, and she wants to buy the strip club so she feels like she has accomplished something during the reunion. Abby gets so caught up in spending time with Monica that she cancels her live streams, which costs her money and friends. Abby cannot make the money overtime, and she has to come clean to Monica about it. The two spend a fun time watching Risky Business and have an emotional talk afterwards. Monica tells Abby that she might not be ready for a sexual night with Max. Abby sees it like Monica telling her she is not good enough. They get into an argument after Monica learns that Abby will not help her save the club. How does Abby help Monica? Monica goes to the reunion since Abby got her mother's suit. During the reunion, Monica realises that the classmate who made her feel small, Robin, does not have her life sorted out. The two bond over drinks, and Monica realises that she cares more about Abby. Meanwhile, Abby throws a party at her house since her parents are away. She gets some time alone with Max and learns that Max already likes her, but not in the way she thought. Like her, Max has never had sex and is not into crazy positions like Bernie the Mascot had made Abby believe. Abby tells Max about Monica, and how she feels she has let her down. Suddenly, she has an idea. She takes all the 18-year-olds at the party to the strip club and does a live streaming performance to raise money for Monica. Finally, Abby is confident enough to dress up like Tom Cruise from Risky Business and give a performance. How does Summer of 69 end? Funds gathered on the live stream and from the people at the club are not enough to save Diamond Dolls. Luckily, Robin steps in the last minute with her husband, who frequents the strip club. Robin helps save the club from being sold to Rick. Monica had brought Max with her to the club. He is not 18, so he waits for Abby outside. Abby and Max finally kiss because they like each other. Monica and Abby head back to her house in the morning. They sit by the swings watching as the party goers leave. Abby's parents come back. They scold Abby for throwing a party. Abby just smiles and tells them that she made a friend.
New York Times
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
‘Summer of 69' Review: A Crash Course in Carnal Knowledge
High schoolers revving up to lose their virginities by graduation are a teen comedy mainstay. The cheekily titled 'Summer of 69,' directed by the comedy actress Jillian Bell, turns the trope on its head, so to speak, by centering on a nerdy young woman who pledges to master a specific sexual position. (You can venture a guess.) Abby (Sam Morelos) is a 17-year-old video game streamer with zero bedroom experience and a whopper of a crush on Max (Matt Cornett), a hunky classmate. So when she hears that he favors that particular position, she hires a local stripper named Santa Monica (Chloe Fineman) for a crash course in carnal knowledge. In her feature directorial debut, Bell conjures a mood of gentle bawdiness cut with sincerity. There's a visit to the vibrator shop, and a running joke in which Abby misunderstands the nature of certain sex acts. But for the most part, the movie is free of the cutting loose and potty mouthing endemic to its genre. Instead of antics, the movie is powered by a feminist streak in which sexual prowess and even pleasure take a back seat to confidence, friendship and self worth. The modest tone is fitting, for while Abby is on the verge of adulthood, she still acts like a child, and her immaturity bumps up awkwardly against the movie's ribald premise. Fortunately, 'Summer of 69' is a two-hander, and Fineman brings comic chops and genuine feeling to playing the tutor with a heart of gold.
The Guardian
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Summer of 69 film review – charming, if overfamiliar, teen sex comedy
I n Summer of 69, a comedy that premiered at SXSW in March, poor Bryan Adams doesn't even get a mention. Rather than coasting on the nostalgia summoned by his 1985 hit, the title is instead a reference to the top-and-tail sex position (Adams has claimed, much to the annoyance of his co-writer, that the song was also referring to the same thing). It's the unusual focus of awkward teen gamer Abby (relative newcomer Sam Morelos) who has a long-running obsession with her classmate Max (Disney star Matt Cornett). The best she's been able to manage throughout their time at school is small talk, but when he breaks up with his longtime girlfriend, she sees an opportunity. Through the grapevine she hears that Max is a fan of the 69 position and Abby, whose experience of kissing has been limited to the back of her hand, seeks assistance. It arrives in the form of Santa Monica (Saturday Night Live's go-to impressionist Chloe Fineman), a stripper she enlists via the promise of a $20,000 payment. It's the amount Santa Monica needs to save the strip club after unpaid taxes piled up and if she can come through with it, she'll become the new owner. Actor turned writer-director Jillian Bell's naked, and sometimes literally naked, attempt to craft a new rewatchable comfort food favourite with notes of both sweet and salt is charming when it works but distractingly effortful when it doesn't. In her script, the story is leading to a high school graduation for Abby, a high school reunion for Santa Monica and an impending strip club closure as we also await the return of Abby's parents, a precariously loaded shelf of ticking clocks that makes it feel like we're switching between 24/7 sitcom channels. The manipulated flip-flop between moments of warmth and spice can be similarly jarring and it allows us to see the joins a little too much, her film sometimes more reminiscent of what it's trying to be than for what it really is. While Bell struggles to tie this all together, in the sleekly commercial way we want and expect within territory such as this, there's enough that's likable in a shaggier way to keep us on side. For an SNL star trying to prove herself in her first major movie co-lead, Fineman is competent if a little miscast, never quite delivering her X-rated one-liners with enough spunk (she's certainly no Jennifer Lawrence in the similarly pitched yet far funnier No Hard Feelings), but her lesser-known co-star Morelos is the real find. She's featured in Netflix spin-off The 90s Show before but this is a major star-making turn, for once an actual teenager playing a teenager and bringing all of the palpable unsureness and anxiety that comes with that. If some of the characterisation doesn't always work (would someone who lives such a very online life really have such unawareness of easy-to-Google sex acts?) she sells every nervous and ultimately empowering moment. The growing spark between the pair is predictably structured (the inevitably dramatic final act fight and the inevitably show-stopping win-her-back act of public speaking) but the dynamic of two people coming to the simple realisation that they just need a friend is effectively warming without becoming sappy. Bell's direction is for the most part crisp and impressive (despite landing on Hulu, it looks like a real, well-lit movie) although her showy lurches into surrealism don't always work (a sex shop haunted house is better as concept than execution). The film's logic is less intentionally surreal yet frequently baffling, the world Bell creates often not making a whole lot of sense, yet it's filled with enough earnest charm that we don't mind spending 100 minutes living in it anyway. Arriving at the start of summer, it's a brief, sunny escape that you'll have forgotten about by the time autumn rolls in. Summer of 69 is available on Hulu in the US on 9 May with a UK date to be announced
