Struggling musician Nomi accepts a last-resort job from her overachiever best friend Mara: mentoring misfit campers, the “Floaters,” at their childhood Jewish summer camp. As the camp struggles...
Everybody loves a summer camp movie (I know I do), and “The Floaters” is a bright, breezy reminder of why the genre can be so charming. Set in a Jewish summer camp that feels authentic down to every bunk bed and latke, director Rachel Israel gives an insider look at culture, friendship, and finding your tribe among the outsiders.
Struggling musician Nomi (Jackie Tohn) has just been kicked out of her rock band. Desperate and looking for a way to earn some cash, she accepts a job at the summer camp she once called home. As she settles in alongside her overachiever best friend and camp director Mara (Sarah Podemski), Nomi finds herself mentoring a group of misfit teens dubbed “the Floaters.” Together, they face off against a rival camp in a high-stakes competition that could decide the future of their beloved summer refuge.
While the plot doesn’t sound all that original, what makes the film so special is how it balances specificity and universality. It certainly can feel like it’s speaking a coded language only Jewish campers will instantly recognize, but the core themes of friendship, identity, and belonging are so relatable that it never alienates viewers. While the inside jokes might resonate more deeply if you grew up Jewish, the movie remains warm and welcoming to all audiences. There’s honesty and humor woven throughout, and the film doesn’t shy away from the messiness of relationships both with the kids as well as the adults. There’s a lot of truth written into Nomi and Mara’s fractured bond, which gives the movie real stakes beyond silly pranks and campfire songs.
The film’s weakest link is the big finale, which doesn’t deliver much of the promised payoff. It’s an original play performance that aims for hilarity but lands a bit flat. After the long buildup, it’s quite the bummer how disappointing it turns out to be. Still, you’re invested enough in these characters that it hardly matters, and the journey to that point is full of heartfelt moments, goofy fun, and relatable characters.
“The Floaters” is a sweet, offbeat comedy that celebrates misfits finding their people, the clash between personal ambition and community, and the magic of a summer that changes everything. If you love camp movies with a lot of heart, you’ll feel right at home.
