Summer of Sam

Summer of Sam is a 1999 American crime thriller film set in the summer of 1977 in New York City, directed by Spike Lee. The story revolves around a group of friends in a Bronx neighborhood who are gripped by fear as the infamous Son of Sam killer terrorizes the city. The film explores the impact of the murders on the community, their relationships, and the paranoia that begins to consume them. John Leguizamo delivers a compelling performance as a troubled hairdresser caught in the midst of the chaos. With a backdrop of disco music and vibrant visuals, Summer of Sam is a tense and gritty portrayal of a city on edge.

Summer of Sam received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. While some praised the film's realistic depiction of 1970s New York City and the performances of the cast, others criticized its graphic violence and at times disjointed narrative. Rotten Tomatoes' critics consensus reads, "Summer of Sam weaves together multiple storylines to capture a sense of the terror and anxiety that gripped New York City in the summer of 1977." IMDb users gave the film a rating of 6.7/10 based on over 44,000 reviews. Metacritic also awarded Summer of Sam a rating of 67/100, indicating generally favorable reviews.