Over/Under (2022) is executively produced by Cooper Raiff, this coming of age tale garners a UK release in August.
Directed by Sophia Silver, the film tells the tale of Violet and Stella – both nine years old and inseparable. Throughout a glorious summer, the two enjoy the waves and play together. Then summer ends.
Stella returns home, while Violet attracts the attention of a bully, all while going through bodily and emotional changes. The changes range from boys, puberty and family trauma, all while trying to fit in. The pair teach us a lot about how young friendships are and how important it is to enjoy and relish the freedom of childhood whilst it is happening.
Starting in 2002 (and then the following five summers) is a sort of blessing for this film – it is also a reminder that children had those problems of being accepted before the advent of social media; that monstrous creation which endangers children’s mental welfare daily.
The absence of phones and the constant connection between the two is a wonder, it also serves as a reminder to the adults watching to not pass up moments of silence and solace when presented for youngsters.
Silver shoots the film with an affection for her characters and a yearning for the simpler times of one’s life. The scenes and moments of Violet struggling with her position in social hierarchy are delicately handled, showing how bullying can slowly break down a person’s self-belief and worth.
Shot through halcyon lenses and with a good use of costume design in terms of colour; this is oddly reminiscent of those later Eric Rohmer summer films as well as My Summer of Love (2004) which starred Emily Blunt.
Sometimes the best summers of your lives can help mould you into the person you will ultimately become – the good friends are always there no matter the reason, they are not there for a reason.
The cast led by Emajean Bullock (Violet) and Anastasia Veronica Lee (Stella – looking like Saoirse Ronan in Atonement) are good across the board. A good observable coming of age film where there is a lot to learn for the characters and the audience.
Over/Under is coming to digital platforms in UK and Ireland from 24th August, 2026, through Bulldog Film Distribution. As well as releasing on digital in the US and Canada from 25th August.
My thanks to Strike Media for the review opportunity.
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