72
Metascore
6 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80The New York TimesKen JaworowskiThe New York TimesKen JaworowskiSummer in the Forest is an extraordinarily tender documentary that asks what it means to be human. Here, even the most gentle scenes raise mighty questions.
- 80Village VoiceDaphne HowlandVillage VoiceDaphne HowlandIt’s quite a story, one that, like all good stories, turns out to have meaning for anyone.
- 80Los Angeles TimesKatie WalshLos Angeles TimesKatie WalshWright's film is a beautiful and deeply empathetic depiction of this community, a portrait of Vanier and his philosophy of compassion as the source of true human connection, found and forged with those who have otherwise been cast out by society.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThe Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeTagging along with the now octogenarian Jean Vanier and meeting some members of his surrogate family, Randall Wright's Summer in the Forest champions his vision by quietly watching it in harmonious action.
- 70VarietyDennis HarveyVarietyDennis HarveyWright satisfies in providing a glimpse of an alternative community and lifestyle that appears near-idyllic without being painted in terms that are too sentimental or cute.
- 60The GuardianPeter BradshawThe GuardianPeter BradshawThis is a calm and often affecting study of L’Arche, a community of people with learning disabilities in Trosly-Breuil, northern France.