The Summer I Turned Pretty review reveals why this final chapter of the beloved coming-of-age series delivers the perfect emotional conclusion. Jenny Han’s heartfelt direction brings depth to every moment of teenage romance and family drama.
What happens when you combine authentic teenage emotions with the magic of endless summer nights? You get storytelling perfection. The Summer I Turned Pretty (2025), created by Jenny Han, stands as the definitive conclusion to one of the most beloved young adult adaptations ever made. This romantic drama follows Isabel Belly Conklin as she navigates the final summer that will determine her future and her heart. While the series operates on familiar coming-of-age territory, it succeeds because it treats every teenage emotion with complete sincerity—every heartbreak and triumph feels genuinely earned.
Synopsis
Isabel Belly Conklin (Lola Tung) returns to Cousins Beach for what may be her final summer at the Fisher family house. After the devastating events of Season 2, Belly must confront the complex dynamics between brothers Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno) while dealing with the grief of losing Susannah Fisher, her mother’s best friend who was like a second mother to her.
With the help of her mother Laurel (Jackie Chung) and her brother Steven (Sean Kaufman), Belly must make decisions that will impact not only her romantic future but also the fate of the beach house that holds so many precious memories. The season follows the classic love triangle structure while exploring deeper themes of loss, family, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
Plot & Themes
The Summer I Turned Pretty operates on a deceptively simple premise: sometimes the most important summers are the ones that force us to say goodbye. The love triangle serves as the emotional framework for exploring deeper questions about identity, family loyalty, and the courage to make difficult choices.
The season’s genius lies in its commitment to emotional authenticity. When Belly struggles with her feelings for both brothers, the series never dismisses these emotions as mere teenage drama. Instead, it recognizes that first love carries the weight of the world for those experiencing it.
Thematically, the show celebrates the transformative power of summer romance while acknowledging its temporary nature. Belly’s journey isn’t just about choosing between Conrad and Jeremiah—it’s about choosing who she wants to become as an adult.
Cinematography & Visuals
Director of photography captures the nostalgic beauty of Cousins Beach with sun-drenched visuals that make every scene feel like a cherished memory. The visual style emphasizes the golden hour magic that defines perfect summer days, creating an almost dreamlike quality that serves the romantic narrative perfectly.
The series excels in intimate character moments. The famous beach house scenes demonstrate perfect emotional framing. The camera lingers on meaningful glances and subtle expressions just long enough to let the romantic tension build without becoming melodramatic.
Background details reward attentive viewers. During family gathering sequences, eagle-eyed fans will spot numerous callbacks to earlier seasons happening simultaneously in different parts of the frame.
Acting & Characters
Lola Tung delivers a career-defining performance as Isabel Belly Conklin. Her portrayal of teenage vulnerability and strength transforms potentially clichéd young adult dialogue into emotionally resonant moments. Tung’s ability to convey complex emotions through subtle facial expressions makes every romantic dilemma feel genuinely heartbreaking.
Christopher Briney brings brooding intensity to Conrad Fisher while maintaining the character’s essential vulnerability. His portrayal of grief and young love creates genuine chemistry that feels authentic rather than manufactured.
Gavin Casalegno provides the perfect counterbalance as Jeremiah Fisher, delivering warmth and humor that makes his romantic appeal completely understandable. His performance ensures that the love triangle never feels one-sided.
Jackie Chung anchors the adult storylines as Laurel, providing maternal wisdom without ever talking down to the younger characters. Her scenes with Tung crackle with genuine mother-daughter chemistry.
Direction & Writing
Jenny Han’s direction maintains perfect emotional pacing throughout the season’s eleven episodes. Coming from her successful adaptation of her own novels, Han understood that young adult drama requires delicate handling. Every romantic moment is given space to breathe without sacrificing narrative momentum.
The screenplay layers emotional beats at multiple levels:
- Character development that builds naturally from previous seasons
- Romantic tension that rewards careful attention to subtext
- Family dynamics that feel authentic rather than contrived
- Cultural elements that add depth without feeling tokenistic
The script’s structure follows coming-of-age conventions while subverting them through genuine character growth. This creates familiarity that makes the unexpected emotional moments hit even harder.
Sound & Music
The series’ soundtrack perfectly captures the essence of summer romance. Contemporary pop tracks blend seamlessly with instrumental score to create an emotional landscape that feels both current and timeless.
The use of silence deserves special recognition. Key emotional moments are allowed to play without musical interference, trusting the audience to connect with the characters’ internal struggles through performance alone.
Sound design supports the beach house atmosphere beautifully. The constant presence of ocean waves and summer night sounds creates an immersive environment that makes viewers feel like they’re experiencing the magic of Cousins Beach firsthand.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Summer I Turned Pretty succeeds because it respects both its source material and its audience. Every element—from writing to cinematography to performance—works in service of the emotional truth without sacrificing production quality.
Strengths:
- Lola Tung’s powerhouse lead performance
- Authentic portrayal of teenage emotions and family dynamics
- Excellent pacing that builds to satisfying conclusions
- Strong supporting cast that brings depth to every relationship
Minor Weaknesses:
- Some plot threads feel slightly rushed in the final episodes
- Occasional reliance on dramatic coincidences
This season remains essential viewing for young adult drama fans and anyone who appreciates expertly crafted romantic storytelling. The Summer I Turned Pretty works for audiences who enjoyed Never Have I Ever, Heartstopper, or Elite.
Rating: 8.5/10
Creator: Jenny Han
TV Rating: TV-14
Starring: Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, Gavin Casalegno, Jackie Chung, Sean Kaufman
For more young adult series reviews, check out our analysis of other Prime Video originals. You can also explore the show’s cultural impact at the Internet Movie Database.
