Timothée Chalamet fans, mark your calendars: the actor's moody neo-noir Hot Summer Nights is coming to Plex on November 1, giving everyone a free way to revisit one of his most overlooked performances. The film, which originally premiered at South by Southwest in 2017, stars Chalamet as a teenager who gets entangled in the drug trade during the summer of 1991. Along the way, he falls for McKayla, the free-spirited sister of his partner, played by Maika Monroe.
While Hot Summer Nights didn't win over critics—it holds a 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes—it remains a fascinating watch for Chalamet completists. The movie is one of several collaborations between Chalamet and A24, alongside Lady Bird and the recent Oscar nominee Marty Supreme. Director Elijah Bynum's debut may have stumbled with reviewers, but its stylish visuals and committed performances make it a worthwhile curiosity. As one critic put it, "There's plenty to look at, but nothing really works here," while another noted the film "relies heavily on one of the more insistent soundtracks in recent memory."
For those who appreciate a good crime thriller, Hot Summer Nights fits right in with other underrated gems. If you're looking to expand your watchlist, check out our list of forgotten thriller gems that deserve a second look. And if you're a fan of Chalamet's darker roles, this is a perfect warm-up before he returns as Paul Atreides in Dune: Part Three, which hits theaters on December 18—the same day as Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday.
That Dune threequel has been eagerly anticipated since Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's "unfilmable" novels became a critical and commercial juggernaut. Chalamet leads an all-star cast that includes Zendaya, Javier Bardem, Rebecca Ferguson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Florence Pugh, and Jason Momoa. The story picks up nearly two decades after Paul seizes control of the Imperium, as he faces the consequences of a galaxy-wide holy war. With awards season buzz already building, it's shaping up to be one of the biggest films of the year.
But while you wait for that sci-fi epic, Hot Summer Nights offers a chance to see Chalamet in a completely different light. The film captures the sweaty, neon-soaked atmosphere of early '90s Cape Cod, with Chalamet's character navigating a dangerous world of dealers and double-crosses. Monroe, who would go on to star in It Follows and Longlegs, delivers a magnetic performance as the rebellious McKayla. Their chemistry is undeniable, even if the script doesn't always rise to their level.
Streaming on Plex means you won't need a subscription to watch—just a free account. It's a great opportunity to catch up on a film that slipped under the radar. And if you're in the mood for more streaming recommendations, don't miss our picks for thrillers leaving Netflix and where to find them next.
So, whether you're a die-hard Chalamet fan or just love a stylish crime drama, set a reminder for November 1. Hot Summer Nights may not be perfect, but it's a fascinating early showcase for one of Hollywood's biggest stars. And with Dune: Part Three on the horizon, there's no better time to explore his filmography.
