The Core Conflict of 'Every Year After'
Prime Video's adaptation of Carley Fortune’s novel Every Summer After, titled Every Year After, centers on a narrative pivot that has captured audience attention. The story follows the protagonist, Percy (portrayed by Sadie Soverall), and her long-standing relationship with the Florek brothers, Sam (Matt Cornett) and Charlie (Michael Bradway), during her childhood summers in Barry’s Bay.
The primary tension arises years later when Percy and Sam attempt to reconcile after a painful separation. A significant barrier stands in their way: a past intimate encounter between Percy and Charlie that occurred while she and Sam were going through a difficult period. In the source material, this secret is eventually revealed when Sam confronts Percy with the truth.
Addressing the 'Love Triangle' Comparison
Given the narrative structure involving two brothers and one woman, many viewers have drawn parallels between Every Year After and the popular series The Summer I Turned Pretty. However, author Carley Fortune rejects the label of a traditional love triangle for her story.
«It’s not about a person choosing between other people,» Fortune stated regarding the emotional landscape of her work. «That’s what a love triangle is, when there is equal kind of tension in the triangle. It’s just not what it is. I think the show is very much about important places and those people and places that stay with us for many, many years. It’s about coming home.»
She further emphasized that the narrative focus is on personal evolution, noting, «It’s about how we grow and we evolve, but the younger versions of ourselves are always with us. I think it is very tender.» While she acknowledges that the show shares a sense of longing with other similar dramas, she maintains that the themes are more mature, as the characters are navigating adult lives.
A Story of Forgiveness
The series is framed not as a competitive romance, but as a deeper exploration of human fallibility. According to the cast, the heart of the show lies in the complex dynamic between Percy and Sam.
«I think it’s something that a lot of people — maybe not in the exact scenario have dealt with — but it is that thing of trying to understand how to forgive people and if you can,» the production team noted regarding the show's emotional core. Every Year After is currently available for streaming on Prime Video.