For many Gen Xers, adulthood brought the surprising realization that Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69” wasn’t about nostalgic teen romance, but a sly nod to a sexual act. Considering Adams was only 10 in 1969, tales of drive-ins and girls were always more fantasy than fact. So it’s no surprise that Hulu’s crude coming-of-age comedy Summer of 69 (no apostrophe) leans into the innuendo rather than the era.
Sam Morelos stars as Abby, a sheltered teen whose longtime crush, Max (Matt Cornett), is suddenly single. But after years of Rosaries and repression, Abby finds herself completely out of her depth when she learns via the ever-reliable school mascot that Max is particularly fascinated with reciprocal pleasure. The inexperienced young lady hasn’t even kissed a boy, let alone ventured into the world of sins of the flesh, so Abby is left a bit bewildered and befuddled by the information. Unable to turn to her parents, she does the next best thing: she hires a professional.
Abby’s guidance comes from Santa Monica, a street-smart erotic dancer played by Chloe Fineman. Santa Monica has her troubles, with her club on the brink of closure due to years of unpaid taxes and the possible loss of her work family. In a mutually beneficial arrangement, the awkward teen commissions the seasoned performer to teach her the ways of the world, one humiliating life lesson at a time.
But this isn’t a standard tale of a wise, compassionate mentor guiding a self-conscious pupil. Santa Monica has no heart of gold, but a bottom line, and it’s $20,000. Her unapologetically pragmatic approach to both her profession and her reluctant protégé allows the character to embrace her sharper instincts, wielding a caustic wit that caters to audiences who favor their humor pitch-black and their comedies firmly rooted in below-the-belt laughs.
Morelos and Fineman make for the unexpected buddy-comedy duo audiences didn’t know they needed. Morelos brings vulnerability and wide-eyed sincerity to the role of Abby, perfectly playing off the Saturday Night Live alum’s acerbic wit and barbed delivery. Credit director and co-writer Jillian Bell for crafting a film full of sharp one-liners that balance humor, heart, and unapologetic raunch.
It’s Morelos’ portrayal of innocence that ultimately grounds the story. Audiences aren’t rooting for Abby to land her crush — they’re rooting for her to find happiness on her own terms. Her journey isn’t about sexual conquest, but about self-discovery and the realization that fulfillment doesn’t have to be physical, it’s a state of mind.
It also stars Charlie Day. And we enjoy him.
Summer of 69 is a salacious self-discovery story about a young woman’s adolescent awakening by way of an adult entertainer. Yet despite its rather risqué premise, its lewd title, and the many, many penis jokes, there is a surprising amount of humor and sincerity thanks to a punchy script and the heartfelt performances of its leads. ❖