Sisters Bell Score Big With Summer Of 69 Debut
Jillian and Breanna’s Hulu comedy brings fresh laughs, heartfelt storytelling to audiences
Image: Instagram
Jillian and Breanna Bell have officially arrived as a filmmaking duo with their debut feature, Summer of 69. Originally born from backyard movie experiments, the sister-helmed comedy premiered at SXSW this spring before landing on Hulu. With a winning blend of brazen humor and genuine emotion, the film offers a fresh coming-of-age take that pairs perfectly with the Bell sisters’ off-screen bond.
From Backyard Movies To Sxsw Spotlight
The journey began long before the cameras rolled on their first official set. In an Instagram caption announcing the release, the sisters wrote, “SUMMER OF 69 marks a major first for sisters Jillian and Breanna Bell—introducing their creative partnership to audiences. Premiering at SXSW and now streaming on Hulu, the film is equal parts bold, funny, and deeply personal.” That personal stamp shines through every scene, proving that years of DIY shoots can translate into a polished festival favorite.
A Sisterly Creative Force
While Jillian Bell is best known for her acting résumé—from Saturday Night Live to roles in 22 Jump Street and Office Christmas Party—Summer of 69 marks her first turn behind the camera as director. Breanna Bell steps in as co-producer, shaping the project from script development to final cut. A longtime collaborator recently saluted Jillian on Instagram: “Huge congratulations to @jillianbell on her incredible directorial debut with Summer of 69. Was such an honer and a blast to work alongside you on this. I can’t wait to see what else is up your sleeve in the coming years.” The post also credited the crew: director of photography Maria Rusche, writer Jules Byrne, key grip Kash J.C., and more—highlighting the team effort behind the Bell sisters’ vision.
Flipping The Coming-of-age Formula
Summer of 69 embraces classic teen-sex comedy tropes while turning them on their head. In a recent Hulu Instagram feature, the streamer noted how the film “turns this sex comedy trope on its head” by centering high school girls’ perspectives and blending raunchy setups with sisterhood themes. Chloe Fineman and Sam Morelos lead a spirited cast that navigates first loves, embarrassing moments, and the reassuring presence of a sisterly bond. Whether it’s a cringe-comedy bathroom scene or a heartfelt confession at dusk, the Bell sisters balance laugh-out-loud moments with genuine warmth.
Fan Reactions And Reviews
Viewers have embraced Summer of 69 with enthusiasm. Jillian Bell celebrated hitting number one on Hulu via another Instagram shout-out: “NUMBER 1 on @hulu !!!!!!!!! Woohoo!!!! Thank you to all those who watched last night! Keep watching forever!!!!” Early festival reviews praised the film’s “bold confidence” and “refreshing heart,” while social-media chatter highlights its relatability for anyone who’s navigated awkward teenage years. At the time of writing, the movie boasts a solid 82% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes and positive word-of-mouth among Hulu subscribers.
The Bell sisters’ leap from backyard shorts to a fully-funded feature is a testament to their tenacity, creative synergy, and knack for comedy. With Summer of 69 streaming now, audiences can see firsthand how a familial partnership yields both laughs and genuine emotion. As the sisters hinted in their SXSW announcement, this is only the beginning of what promises to be a dynamic creative journey.
Trivia
Read full bio of Pratibha
