If you spent any time on Film Twitter or reading festival dispatches last year, you probably heard the buzz about a 14-year-old playwright with the intensity of a young Edward Albee. That’s Griffin. He’s the heart of Griffin in Summer, a movie that basically took the 2024 Tribeca Festival by storm and then made us all wait way too long to actually see it at home.
Honestly, it’s one of those rare coming-of-age stories that doesn't feel like it’s talking down to kids or making fun of their "phases." It takes Griffin’s artistic soul seriously.
Now that we’re in 2026, the question of Griffin in Summer where to watch has a much simpler answer than it did a few months ago. The film had a bit of a slow-burn release strategy, moving from the festival circuit to a limited theatrical run before finally hitting the digital world. If you missed the chance to see it in a dark room with strangers, you’ve got plenty of options now.
Where is Griffin in Summer Streaming Right Now?
You don't have to go on a treasure hunt. After Vertical Entertainment picked up the North American rights, they eventually locked in a major streaming home.
Hulu is your primary destination. The film officially landed on Hulu in December 2025. If you have a subscription, you can just type "Griffin" into the search bar and you're good to go. It’s part of their standard library, so no extra "add-on" fees are required unless you're trying to dodge commercials with their premium tier.
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But what if you aren't a Hulu person? Or maybe you're the type of person who likes to "own" your digital movies so they don't disappear when a licensing deal expires? You’ve got options:
- Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu): You can rent it for about $5.99 or buy the digital 4K version for $14.99.
- Google Play & YouTube Movies: Standard pricing applies here too. Usually, if it’s on one, it’s on the other.
- Apple TV: If you want that high-bitrate 4K quality, Apple is usually the best bet for digital purchases.
- Amazon Prime Video: It is available for rent or purchase, though it isn't currently "Free to Prime" because Hulu holds those exclusive streaming rights.
Why Everyone is Obsessed with This Movie
It’s not just another "kid wants to be famous" story.
Griffin Nafly (played by a genuinely incredible newcomer named Everett Blunck) isn't trying to be a TikTok star. He wants to be a playwright. Not just any playwright—he’s writing a heavy, divorce-themed drama called Regrets of Autumn. He describes it as Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? meets American Beauty.
He’s fourteen.
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The movie works because it captures that specific, agonizing middle-school energy where you think you're the most sophisticated person in the room while your parents are still making you lunch. When a 25-year-old handyman named Brad (Owen Teague) shows up to do some work around the house, Griffin doesn't just get a crush; he thinks he's found a "creative peer."
Watching Griffin try to "mentor" or "woo" a man who is clearly just a bored, failed performance artist is both painful and hilarious. It’s the kind of cringe that makes you want to hide under a blanket, but it's handled with so much heart by director Nicholas Colia.
The Cast is Kind of Stacked
For a small indie, the pedigree here is wild.
- Melanie Lynskey plays Griffin’s mom, Helen. As usual, she brings that perfect mix of "I’m trying my best" and "I am slightly overwhelmed by my own child."
- Owen Teague is Brad, the handyman. He plays "zoned-out and vaguely artistic" perfectly.
- Kathryn Newton pops up as Chloe, Brad's girlfriend, who becomes a bit of an accidental antagonist in Griffin's head.
- Abby Ryder Fortson plays Kara, Griffin's long-suffering best friend/director.
What to Expect Before You Hit Play
If you're expecting a fast-paced Disney-style comedy, this isn't it. It's a 93-minute slow burn. It’s a "dramedy" in the truest sense. One minute you're laughing at Griffin firing his 13-year-old actors for "lack of commitment," and the next, you're seeing a really sad glimpse into his parents' failing marriage.
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The movie looks great, too. It’s got this hazy, suburban summer vibe that feels very nostalgic. Think sun-drenched lawns, wood-paneled basements, and the feeling of a summer that stretches on forever.
Some critics found Griffin "irritating," which... yeah, he is. But he’s supposed to be. He’s a fourteen-year-old boy who thinks he’s Edward Albee. If he wasn't a little annoying, the movie wouldn't be honest.
Actionable Steps for Your Movie Night
If you're ready to check it out, here is the most efficient way to get it on your screen tonight:
- Check Hulu First: If you already pay for Disney+ or the Hulu bundle, this is your "free" path. It’s been streaming there since early December.
- Physical Media Update: As of right now, a wide Blu-ray release hasn't been announced. This is very common for Vertical Entertainment titles. If you want a physical copy, keep an eye on boutique labels like Vinegar Syndrome or OCN Distribution, as they sometimes pick up these festival favorites for "prestige" physical releases later.
- International Viewers: If you’re outside the US, the Hulu deal might not apply. In the UK and Canada, keep an eye on Disney+ (under the Star banner) or MUBI, as they often handle the international distribution for these types of award-winning indies.
- Watch the Short First: If you’re a real completionist, Nicholas Colia actually made a short film version of this years ago. It’s fun to see how the ideas evolved into the feature.
Set aside 90 minutes, grab some snacks, and prepare to feel very protective of a tiny, pretentious playwright.