By: Mariah Thomas
Photo By Dessi Jackson
Summer 2000: The X-Cetra Story is a time capsule within a time capsule. On the surface it is an introspective look back at a young group of friends who sought out to make a band but there is so much more. Though it is specific to their individual friendships, it holds relatable accolades for all. Within that, there is a nostalgic glimpse back into the early 2000s.
During the summer of 2000, four young friends formed a band. Though it was something just for them and their pals back then, in 2020 it became much larger than they ever anticipated when someone uploads their music online. Though some stayed in touch, the friend group dismantled as the girls would be consumed by adolescent concerns from boys to friendship breakups. Twenty years later, the ladies reunite to celebrate the sudden rise in their childhood dreams and reconnect. In order to move forward, there are tough conversations and reflections to be had. Each of these girls (now women) have had their share of hardships. This documentary is a mesh of old footage of the girls in their youth and a modern day look of where the ladies are now.
The element I enjoyed the most of this documentary was the brutal honesty. When friendships drift, no one wants to have a conversation evaluating why. There are many instances where they allow space for clearing the air and genuine healing to take place with each other, including when an unspoken traumas finally coming to light. Since they were able to do so, it seems as if they have all gotten to enjoy the fun that followed in its fullness from an album release to a Rolling Stone photoshoot and various interviews. The viewer can see and feel the deep level of girlhood they rediscovered.
Actress Allison Brie championed the group and its nostalgia early on so it was no surprise to see her at the album release party. She beautifully says, “If what these girls have done doesn’t inspire you to dig back through all of the weird shit you did in your adolescence and rediscover what’s special about yourself, I don’t know what will.” That sentiment beautifully sums up the importance and power this documentary has the potential to have.
Summer 2000 couldn’t have been told as deeply as it was if it weren’t for X-Cetra member Ayden Mayeri stepping into the role of the director, which she beautifully describes the experience as becoming friends with her younger self. There was clear direction for this documentary and her direct involvement is what guides it as the other ladies of X-Cetra went in different life directions while Ayden stayed on a creative route.
Prior to watching, I had not been in tune to the new rise of X-Cetra. In the chaos of 2020, this is a viral moment I missed. However, this documentary offers so much more. It is an introduction to those who also missed the return. It is a beautiful piece of work for these ladies to look back on. It is a feeling of finally being able to dig out that time capsule you forgot about in your grandparents backyard. Summer 2000: The X-Cetra Story has a lot to offer as it makes its way to 2026’s SXSW. It is sure to resonate with most viewers.