Summer of 84 is a retro-styled thriller that blends 80s nostalgia with a slow-burning mystery that culminates in one of the decade’s most unsettling horror endings. Below is a fully detailed, SEO-friendly deep dive into every aspect of the film.
Detailed Summary
The Suburban Calm Before the Storm
Set in Cape May, Oregon, during the summer of 1984, the film follows teenager Davey Armstrong and his three friends: Woody, Eats, and Farraday. Davey is a believer in conspiracy theories, believing that beneath the appearance of normal suburban life, something sinister is always lurking. When local boys begin disappearing, Davey becomes convinced that their friendly neighbor, police officer Wayne Mackey, is the serial killer known as the Cape May Slayer.
The Friends Begin the Investigation
Davey rallies his friends into a spy-style investigation. They watch Mackey’s movements, track suspicious deliveries, and break into his garden shed. The boys also enlist the help of Nikki, Davey’s former babysitter and crush, who finds the boys’ adventure crazy but endearing.
Several key moments—Mackey’s late-night digging, mysterious packages, and strange basement noises—make Davey even more certain that he’s right. The film effectively builds tension by keeping the audience unsure whether Davey is seeing the truth or imagining danger where there is none.
The Breaking Point
The boys eventually sneak into Mackey’s home while he’s away. In the basement, they discover a horrifying truth: a kidnapped boy and the decomposed corpse of another victim. Everything Davey feared is confirmed in one sickening moment.
The kids call the police, Mackey disappears, and the authorities assure the town that the killer has fled. For a moment, life returns to normal.
Movie Ending
The ending of Summer of 84 is remembered for its bleakness, and for good reason: it refuses the typical triumphant “kids defeated the villain” conclusion.
When Davey returns home, Mackey ambushes him. He kidnaps Davey and his friend Woody, driving them deep into the forest. Mackey admits that he chose Davey because he “figures things out”—a twisted way of rewarding him for being right. Mackey then begins a deadly cat-and-mouse chase.
Woody is killed during the attempt to escape. Davey survives, but Mackey corners him. Instead of finishing him off, Mackey decides to let him live so Davey will spend the rest of his life waiting for the day Mackey returns to kill him. It’s a psychological torture sentence that is far worse than death.
Davey returns to his neighborhood a traumatized shell of his former self. Summer ends not with triumphant nostalgia, but with the irreversible loss of innocence.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, there are no post-credits or mid-credits scenes. Once the credits roll, the story is fully concluded.
Type of Movie
Summer of 84 is a coming-of-age mystery thriller with strong horror elements. It uses 80s nostalgia to create a familiar atmosphere but ultimately subverts expectations with a dark, unsettling payoff.
Cast
- Graham Verchere as Davey Armstrong
- Judah Lewis as Eats
- Caleb Emery as Woody
- Cory Gruter-Andrew as Farraday
- Rich Sommer as Officer Wayne Mackey
- Tiera Skovbye as Nikki Kaszuba
Film Music and Composer
The film’s synth-heavy score was created by Le Matos, a duo known for their retro electronic sound reminiscent of classic 80s thrillers. Their music elevates the film’s mood, especially during scenes of quiet dread or creeping danger.
Filming Locations
Summer of 84 was filmed primarily in Vancouver, British Columbia, a popular filming region due to its suburban neighborhoods, forests, and flexible shooting permits. These locations help create:
- Authentic 80s suburban vibes, capturing the nostalgic look of American neighborhoods.
- Forested regions ideal for the film’s tense final chase sequence.
- A timeless visual aesthetic, making the story feel both retro and believable.
Awards and Nominations
The film didn’t win major mainstream awards, but it was recognized at several genre festivals:
- Fantasia Film Festival (2018) – Audience enthusiasm noted during screenings
- Sitges Film Festival (2018) – Official selection
- TIFF Midnight Madness – Received positive fan reactions
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The directors (the filmmaking trio RKSS: François Simard, Anouk Whissell, Yoann-Karl Whissell) wanted a darker twist on the Goonies/Stranger Things formula.
- Rich Sommer (Mackey) intentionally kept a warm, almost awkward friendliness in his performance to make the reveal more disturbing.
- The ending was written early in development; the filmmakers insisted on keeping it brutally realistic rather than Hollywood-safe.
- Many of the suburban homes used were occupied residences, requiring detailed coordination with homeowners.
- Woody’s death scene was filmed over multiple nights and left the cast emotionally drained.
Inspirations and References
- Classic 80s coming-of-age films (Stand by Me, The Goonies)
- Suburban paranoia thrillers like Disturbia
- True-crime inspirations involving “the killer next door” mythos
- The directors cited Stephen King’s style, especially the blend of childhood innocence and adult horror
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no fully alternate endings known, but:
- Early drafts contained an extended epilogue showing Davey years later, dealing with trauma; the directors cut it to maintain the story’s haunting immediacy.
- Several comedic scenes with the boys were trimmed to keep the pacing tight.
- A longer version of the basement discovery scene existed, but it was shortened to avoid desensitizing the reveal.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Summer of 84 is not based on a book. It’s an original screenplay, though heavily influenced by 80s pop culture and classic thriller structures.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Davey’s monologue about the darkness hiding beneath suburban life.
- The boys sneaking into Mackey’s house and discovering the basement chamber.
- Mackey’s calm, chilling speech to Davey in the forest.
- The final shot of Davey biking through the neighborhood, visibly changed forever.
Iconic Quotes
- “Even serial killers live next door to somebody.”
- “The suburbs are where the craziest stuff happens.”
- “I want you to remember this feeling, Davey… I’ll be back.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Posters and props referencing The Lost Boys, The Thing, and other 80s genre staples.
- The boys’ walkie-talkies and bikes mirror Spielberg-style kid adventure films, deliberately contrasting with the story’s grim finale.
- The news broadcast early in the film subtly foreshadows Mackey’s real identity.
- Farraday’s constant rule-following hints at his eventual clash with Davey’s paranoia.
Trivia
- Although set in Oregon, no scenes were filmed in the United States.
- Judah Lewis (Eats) also appeared in The Babysitter, another retro-themed thriller.
- Rich Sommer said he played Mackey as if he truly believed he was the hero of his own story.
- The directors originally considered making the killer a stranger, but realized it was more impactful if the danger came from someone trusted.
Why Watch?
Because Summer of 84 takes the nostalgic aesthetic audiences love and uses it to tell a surprisingly mature, unsettling, and emotionally charged thriller. If you enjoy character-driven mysteries, slow-burn dread, and endings that stay with you long after the credits roll, this film is a must-watch. Its final act alone is worth the experience.
Director’s Other Movies
- Turbo Kid (2015)
- We Are Zombies (2023)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Guest (2014)
- It Follows (2014)
- The Black Phone (2021)
- Super Dark Times (2017)
- The Clovehitch Killer (2018)
- Disturbia (2007)
- Fright Night (1985)
