As anticipation builds for Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Three, featuring Timothée Chalamet in the lead, fans have a chance to delve into a lesser-known chapter of the actor's career. Collider reports that Hot Summer Nights, a crime thriller from 2017, is officially available to stream for free on Plex starting November 1.

Directed by Elijah Bynum in his feature debut, Hot Summer Nights plunges viewers into the summer of 1991 on Cape Cod. Chalamet stars as Daniel, a shy teenager who finds himself entangled in the dangerous world of drug dealing. His life takes a romantic turn when he falls for McKayla, played by Maika Monroe, the enigmatic sister of his business partner. The film explores themes of first love, ambition, and the harsh realities of a criminal underworld, all set against a nostalgic summer backdrop.

This film marks one of Chalamet's early collaborations with indie powerhouse A24, a studio known for championing distinctive cinematic voices. It stands alongside other notable A24 projects for Chalamet, including Greta Gerwig's acclaimed Lady Bird and the mentioned Oscar nominee Marty Supreme.

Upon its premiere at South by Southwest in 2017, Hot Summer Nights garnered a mixed reception from critics. With a 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film was often praised for its visual appeal but criticized for its narrative depth. One critic observed, "There's plenty to look at, but nothing really works here," while another noted its reliance on "one of the more insistent soundtracks in recent memory" to compensate for a stumbling plot and mood. Despite the lukewarm critical response, the film offers a compelling look at Chalamet's raw talent in a complex, morally ambiguous role early in his career.

For those looking to fill the void while awaiting Dune: Part Three or simply curious about Chalamet's diverse filmography, Hot Summer Nights provides a moody, atmospheric diversion that showcases the actor's range even before his breakout performances.