Hanging out with your friends during the dog days of summer takes on a whole new meaning in the new drama Summering.

In the new film Summering, four best friends face the uncertainties of growing up. They embark on their biggest adventure yet as their last summer before middle school comes to a close.

Daisy (Lia Barnett), Dina (Madalen Mills), Mari (Eden Grace Redfield), and Lola (Sanai Victoria) are lifelong friends. They’ve been inseparable since starting elementary school together. But the first day of middle school is just around the corner. And they are all anxious and excited about the changes that lie ahead.

On the last weekend of summer, the girls return to their favorite spot in the nearby woods, only to find a grim surprise. Instead of calling the police or telling their parents, they decide to take matters into their own hands. The only clue they have is a matchbook from a local bar, which sets them on a life-changing adventure that will bond them together forever.

But strange and inexplicable events begin to dog them as they pursue their investigation. And the girls begin to wonder if something supernatural is causing them. As each girl faces her own hopes and fears, they all take another step toward adulthood together.

The film has a Stand By Me feel to it and is a rare adventure story told from the point of view of women and girls. It is a nostalgic celebration of friendship, imagination and the mysteries of childhood.

James Ponsoldt (The End of the Tour, The Spectacular Now) directed Summering. He worked from a script that he co-wrote with Benjamin Percy (The Wilding, Wolverine).

The film stars Lia Barnett, Lake Bell, Sarah Cooper, Ashley Madekwe, Madalen Mills, Megan Mullally, Eden Grace Redfield and Sanai Victoria.

Our Bonnie Laufer spoke with Director James Ponsoldt. She also spoke with stars Lake Bell, Sarah Cooper, Lia Barnett, Eden Grace Redfield and Sanai Victoria via Zoom. All of them had great insight about working on this memorable film.

ALL of the interviews can be watched in the playlist below.