Tribeca Film Festival 2026 Review: “Summer War”

By Morgan Roberts

Director: Alicia Scherson
Writer: Alicia Scherson
Stars: Dan Beirne, Lux Pascal, Aline Küppenheim, David Gaete, Agustín Pardella
Runtime: 104 minutes
Year: 2026

Dan Beirne and David Gaete in “Summer War”

In Alicia Scherson’s latest film, “Summer War,” the precipice of change is explored in this historical drama. Udo (Dan Beirne) has returned to Chile as an adult just as the Pinochet regime is on the decline. He and his girlfriend Ingrid (Lux Pascal) are vacationing when a friend suddenly goes missing at sea. Occupying his time, Udo becomes overly invested in his tabletop war game, and invites a mysterious local to join him.

Akin to the political thrillers of the 1970s and early 1980s, “Summer War” has this air of tension, yet, it does not exist solely in the space of the geopolitics of the late-1980s. While a vital element of the film, there is also taut atmosphere built both by Udo’s general suspicions but also his growing obsession. His tabletop war game feels like an outlet for his hubris. It becomes all consuming that as the film progresses, it becomes the singular focus before you even realize it.

Nevertheless, unlike those political thrillers, the film manages to have life outside of this tense atmosphere. We get to see Udo and Ingrid on vacation - despite his frequent distractions. We are able to see Udo shoot his shot with various women, many times facing rejection, and going back to do it again. The cinematography by Alejo Maglio is impeccable. While it has a way of not only framing the region in its natural beauty, but it has the aesthetic of the political thrillers of the mid-1970s.

As someone unfamiliar with the source material by Roberto Bolaño, I do have to wonder what was adapted and what was omitted. There are times that the film’s ambitions muddle the central story. There are times the film becomes a touch convoluted,  but luckily, it really sticks a landing in its final act.

“Summer War” is a daring political thriller, exploring one man’s journey in a political climate on the brink of change.

Grade: B
Double Feature With: “Night Move” (2013) dir. Kelly Reichhardt