H.A.G.S. (Have a Good Summer)

About This Movie

H.A.G.S. (Have a Good Summer) is one of those documentaries that really leans into nostalgia, you know? It’s structured around filmmaker Sean Wang’s middle school yearbook, which is a unique angle. The pacing feels casual, almost like flipping through an old album with a friend, as it digs into the awkwardness and joy of growing up. There’s a warmth to it, capturing those fleeting moments of youth. The visuals are simple, but really effective—like, it doesn’t need flashy effects to convey its themes of friendship and the bittersweet nature of growing up. The performances, if you can call them that, are genuine, reflecting real emotions and experiences that resonate. It’s one of those films that just makes you reflect on your own school days.

Nostalgic exploration of youth.Unique yearbook-inspired storytelling.Captures genuine emotions and experiences.