“SUMMER OF THREE” // TRIBECA 2026

BY MATEO MORENO

The coming-of-age film SUMMER OF THREE, set in Puerto Rico, is a breezy gem of a film that sweeps over you in waves, inviting and invigorating. It follows Javi (Marcel Ruiz), a 17-year-old boy who lives in LA with his mother but is returning to Puerto Rico for his grandfather’s funeral. This is the first time he’s been back since he was a kid and he’s usure of how to feel. His return here has plagued him with hazy memories of the day his father was found dead and now, with the death of his grandfather, it’s brought it all back. He’s staying with his caring Uncle and Grandmother, both of whom are thrilled to see him again. Outside of his grandfather’s funeral, he meets Luife (Paolo Schoene), who, after some general ribbing, warms to him and invites him out on the town. They head to a party where he meets a young woman named Kiki (Kiki Montilla). He’s immediately attracted to her but soon finds out that her and Luife are an item. The three quickly become a trio, spending almost all of Javi’s spare time together and bonding fast. Questions arise when Javi finds out that Luife and Kiki are non-monogamous and don’t label their relationship. In fact, Luife ends up leaving them to be with his ex-girlfriend at one point, leaving Javi and Kiki to get closer and closer. But if there are no boundaries set, can boundaries between this new friendship trio be crossed and if so, what will the ramifications be?

Director Carlitos Ruiz-Ruiz has crafted a tender, charming and beautiful tale of a young man’s coming-of-age crossing in real time with his grieving. The scenery is luscious and the tempo of the film always seems to hit you like a wave, bouncing you gently up and down to the rhythm of the film. Marcel Ruiz (who also co-wrote the film with his father and Mariana S. Belaval) turns in a great performance as Javi, wearing his innocence and goodness on his sleeve. Kiki Montilla gives an intoxicating performance as Kiki, the woman of both young men’s desires. But more so than that, the film wisely writes her with dimensions. She doesn’t just exist for the plot to move. She shimmers through all of her scenes, showcasing Kiki’s hurt soul along with her charms and wit. And Paolo Schoene gives a breathtaking performance as Luife. It’s a searing performance, wild and reckless but filled with love and hope. The three of them together is perfection and the film gently brings us through their summer together with a delicate, caring touch and powerful touch. This is a gem of a film, and my favorite that I’ve seen at the festival so far.

GRADE: A

WRITTEN BY Carlitos Ruiz-Ruiz, Marcel Ruiz, Mariana S. Belaval DIRECTED BY Carlitos Ruiz-Ruiz STARRING Marcel Ruiz, Paolo Schoene, Kiki Montilla SELECTED AS PART OF THE 2026 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL. FOR MORE INFO: https://tribecafilm.com/films/summer-of-three-2026