Demos and Nikitas, two best friends in their 30s, spend a day at a queer nude beach in Athens, reflecting on a past summer. As aspiring filmmakers, they attempt to turn their experiences into a screenplay for Nikitas' debut feature. The summer in question revolves around Demos’ complicated relationship with his ex, Panos, and a dog named Carmen, leading to a series of personal and humorous events. As they brainstorm the script, real-life events and imagined scenes blend together, exploring themes of love, friendship, and the challenges of storytelling.
From the moment the first shot appeared on the screen, framed perfectly against the rocky shores of the Athens coast, it was clear that Zacharias Mavroeidis has a unique talent. The Summer with Carmen isn’t just another Greek indie film — it’s a fresh, bold take on queer cinema that blends humor, intellectual depth, and a deep affection for the world of filmmaking itself.
The story revolves around best friends Demos and Nikitas, who are working on a script based on their lives. The summer they revisit in their screenplay includes Demos’ rekindled interactions with his ex, Panos, and a mischievous dog named Carmen. What makes this film stand out is its clever film-within-a-film structure, with scenes from the imagined movie interspersed with the friends’ real-time writing session. This format gives the film a dynamic, self-reflective quality, where scenes humorously contradict or comment on the “real” action.
Yorgos Tsiantoulas as Demos gives a charismatic performance that helps ground the film’s sometimes farcical tone. The chemistry between him and Andreas Labropoulos (Nikitas) is natural and adds depth to their relationship, highlighting the unbreakable bond of queer friendship. The dialogue is sharp and often self-mocking, with plenty of playful jabs at the very nature of filmmaking, including a sequence where the duo imagines turning their story into a musical. This tongue-in-cheek approach to scriptwriting theory, coupled with stunning shots of the Athens coastline, makes the film both entertaining and visually impressive.
Despite the humor and lightness, The Summer with Carmen also carries a philosophical weight. One critic aptly noted, “existential philosophy has never been more playful than it is here.” The film explores the idea that life, much like a screenplay, doesn’t always follow a clear structure or result in transformation, challenging conventional ideas about the “hero’s journey.”
One of the film’s most interesting aspects is its unapologetic portrayal of male nudity, set against the backdrop of a queer nude beach. While some audiences might be drawn to the explicit content, Mavroeidis uses it to enhance the narrative rather than exploit it, offering a candid portrayal of bodies and relationships.
At the British premiere at Flare on March 15, 2024, Mavroeidis and lead actor Yorgos Tsiantoulas shared insightful anecdotes about the Greek film industry, including the lack of intimacy coordinators and agents, and their playful hope that the film might even spark controversy with the Greek church. Their confidence in the film’s bold content was well-placed, as the sold-out screening and overwhelmingly positive reception indicated that The Summer with Carmen is more than just a provocative piece; it’s a film with heart, humor, and a unique voice.
The cinematography is particularly stunning, with shots of the Athenian coastline that could easily belong in a travelogue. It creates a perfect juxtaposition between the natural beauty of the landscape and the personal messiness of the characters’ lives. Mavroeidis demonstrates that he is not only a skilled storyteller but also a visual artist with a keen eye for framing and composition.
While the film may not be for everyone, especially those uncomfortable with its candid exploration of sexuality, it is undeniably a bold and refreshing entry into queer cinema. Zacharias Mavroeidis has crafted a work that is as intellectually stimulating as it is visually stunning, and there’s no doubt that this film will open doors for him on the international stage.
Original title:
Το καλοκαίρι της Κάρμεν
