If you want to watch a story that is relaxing and warm, maybe One Summer(2024) will be a good choice for you. There are no intense action scenes in it, just a story that connects people together, much like how we are connected with the people around us. So, what is it about?

One Summer is directed by Louise Archambault, is a heartwarming story about people who have been forgotten by society and the connection they form with each other. The film centers on Father Marc Côté, a priest who isn’t like most. Instead of focusing on traditional church duties, Marc runs a small parish that serves as a refuge for people in need—many of whom are homeless or struggling with mental health issues.

The story begins when Marc inherits a summer home in Sainte-Blandine-sur-Mer, a quiet town where he grew up. The house was left to him by a family friend who considered Marc the son he never had. Marc decides to share his good fortune by inviting a group from his parish to spend time at the house, hoping the peaceful setting will help them heal.

The group of people Marc brings with him is diverse, each facing their own challenges. There’s Soeur Monique, the no-nonsense nun; Angel and Molo, a couple caring for Molo’s elderly mother; Sam, a war veteran struggling with PTSD; Miali and Sébast, a young couple who are unsure about having children; Madame Cécile, an elderly woman who quietly collects small things; and Maire Jean-Pierre Genin, a quirky mayor who offers questionable advice to Julien, a Congolese asylum seeker worried about his future in Canada.

As the group settles into the house, we see tensions rise. Some townspeople don’t want them there, while others offer charity. Despite the differences, the group slowly begins to connect with one another. They share stories, laugh, and find comfort in each other’s company.

Archambault takes care to show each character as a full person, not just a symbol of poverty or mental illness. We see their complexities and struggles, and through their time together, they start to heal. The film’s cinematography captures the beauty of the town and the peacefulness of the summer retreat.

Overall, One Summer is a simple yet powerful reminder of how important human connection is. It shows that no matter our backgrounds or struggles, we all need a sense of belonging and understanding. The film touches on the strength of community and the hope that can come from just being there for each other.