Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dreamy teen queer romance has language, suicide references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
My First Summer
What's the Story?
In MY FIRST SUMMER, following her mother's death, isolated teen Claudia (Markella Kavenagh) has her quiet existence rocked by the arrival of spirited local Grace (Maiah Stewardson). As the two get to know each other, they develop a love and understanding they've never experienced elsewhere -- offering both of them what they need to heal and grow.
Is It Any Good?
Tender, sweet, and presented with a dreamlike filter, this Australian coming-of-age tale is a beautifully honest, uncomplicated, and confident debut from writer/director Katie Found. My First Summer is an exploration of girlhood and growth, of two teens finding an intense connection at just the right point in their lives. Their physicality moves from loving and soothing to equally loving and sexual, the pair wearing their vulnerability on their sleeves when they admit they "don't know what to do" -- something many teens of their age would keep hidden to save face. But there's something about their shared experience that provides a safety, not just in their remote hideout, but in each other. Sure, the sheer naivety of Claudia is a little jarring in the early scenes, and the moments of playing in water and beneath billowing sheets veer into familiar territory. But the relationship is handled with such care and intimacy, and the cinematography with such artistry and freedom, that this stands out among its peers as a film as warm, moving, and memorable as its central romance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Grace's decision to keep Claudia's existence a secret in My First Summer. Why do you think she chose not to tell any adults or the authorities? Do you think it was the right choice? How else might she have approached the situation and how might you have handled it in real life?
The central relationship is between two teenage girls. Why do you think it is important to see LGBTQ+ representation on-screen? Why representation matters in kids' media.
Both Claudia and Grace show great communication, empathy, and curiosity. Why are these such important character strengths? Can you think of a time you've demonstrated these traits in your own life?
How did the film portray sex and nudity? Was it affectionate and respectful? Was it tastefully handled? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. What did it contribute to the movie? Is a certain kind of language expected in a movie like this?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 24, 2020
- Cast : Markella Kavenagh , Maiah Stewardson , Arthur Angel
- Director : Katie Found
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Peccadillo Pictures
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Empathy
- Run time : 80 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate