REVIEW | The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3: Belly’s Bittersweet Journey Comes Full Circle
The Summer I Turned Pretty fans have been eagerly awaiting the third season, and it doesn’t disappoint. The new season continues Belly’s (Lola Tung) emotional journey through love, loss, and self-discovery, offering a conclusion that feels both heartbreaking and heartwarming. With the backdrop of summer, family secrets, and unspoken love, Season 3 wraps up the beloved coming-of-age story with the same mix of nostalgia, youthful longing, and painful growth that fans have come to love.
A Journey of Growth
Season 3 marks a bittersweet end to Belly’s love triangle with brothers Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno). Over the previous seasons, Belly has navigated the complexities of these two relationships, torn between the familiar comfort of Jeremiah and the intensity of her connection with Conrad. This season forces Belly to confront her feelings and finally make a choice that, though inevitable, feels like an emotional leap into adulthood.
In the first few episodes, the tension is palpable as Belly struggles to reconcile her feelings for both brothers. The underlying theme of Season 3 is about transformation—both for Belly and the Fisher family. As Belly matures, the weight of her decisions becomes more pronounced, and viewers are reminded that summer isn’t just about fun and romance. It’s a time for self-reflection and growth, and for Belly, this season brings her closer to understanding who she is, what she wants, and the sacrifices she’s willing to make.
Family, Love, and Loss
One of the most poignant aspects of Season 3 is how it weaves together themes of family and love. As the summer progresses, Belly finds herself dealing with the loss of a loved one, an experience that forces her to reevaluate her relationships with those around her. The show handles grief delicately, with Belly’s emotions running high as she tries to hold onto what she loves while dealing with the reality of change. It’s clear that she’s no longer the same girl who arrived at Cousins Beach years ago, and yet, she is forever marked by the relationships and the memories forged there.
The dynamic between the brothers also evolves, particularly between Conrad and Jeremiah. Conrad, once the brooding and distant figure, opens up in ways we’ve never seen before, showing vulnerability and self-awareness. Meanwhile, Jeremiah continues to be the cheerful and impulsive brother, but there’s a quiet maturity that emerges in him as well, especially in his interactions with Belly. The deep bond between the brothers is tested in ways that highlight the complexities of family and love, with no clear winner in their rivalry for Belly’s heart.
Lola Tung’s Performance Shines
Lola Tung’s portrayal of Belly continues to be the heart of the series, and in Season 3, she fully steps into the role of a young woman coming into her own. Tung’s performance captures the complexity of Belly’s emotions—her confusion, her joy, her pain—with remarkable depth. She beautifully navigates the emotional highs and lows of the season, capturing the vulnerability and strength that make Belly such a relatable character. Her portrayal of Belly’s journey from adolescence to adulthood is raw and real, and she makes the character’s struggles and triumphs feel deeply personal.
The Conclusion: Full Circle
Without giving away too many spoilers, the conclusion of The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 ties up the series with a sense of finality while leaving room for reflection. Belly’s story comes full circle in a way that is satisfying yet bittersweet. Her choice is not just about romance but about accepting who she is and where her life is headed. As she stands on the precipice of adulthood, she’s learned that love isn’t always as simple as it seems, and sometimes, the hardest decisions are the ones that lead to the greatest personal growth.
The show’s finale doesn’t offer a traditional happy ending, but rather a moment of peace and clarity. It’s a conclusion that feels earned and fitting for Belly’s character arc, reminding viewers that love isn’t always perfect, but it’s real. The summer that changed everything for Belly was not just about boys, but about family, loss, and ultimately, learning to let go.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 is a beautiful and emotional conclusion to a story about love, family, and growing up. Belly’s journey, filled with heartache and triumph, resonates with anyone who has ever had to face difficult choices and come to terms with the passage of time. It’s a poignant reminder that while summers may end, the memories—and the lessons we learn along the way—last forever. This season will leave you with a bittersweet smile, knowing that although Belly’s journey is over, her story will continue to linger in your heart long after the credits roll.
If you’ve followed Belly’s journey through the ups and downs of love, loss, and growing up, Season 3 is the perfect conclusion. It’s emotional, powerful, and ultimately a celebration of the bittersweetness of youth.
