by Henry Pham
Despite being advertised as a drama film, it is actually a romantic drama in disguise (at least for me). The Sun Never Sets focuses on a young woman named Wendy who finds her life upended when her boyfriend Jack – older, divorced, and with children – asks for space to reassess their relationship. During their separation, Wendy reconnects with her ex-boyfriend, Chuck, sparking an emotionally charged love triangle that forces all three to confront the realities of love, timing, and personal growth.
Golden Globe winner and producer Dakota Fanning (Netflix’s Ripley) stars as Wendy, a single construction worker. She reconnects with Jack (Jake Johnson, Fox’s New Girl), a divorced father of two, who asks her to keep her distance away from him. As Wendy navigates this request, she encounters her former boyfriend, Chuck (Cory Michael Smith, Saturday Night), and chooses to spend time with him. The cast delivers strong performances, with Fanning providing the emotional core of the film. Johnson and Michael Smith add energy and charm, with the latter utilizing his comedy routine from New Girl. The cast also features television stars Debby Ryan (Disney’s The Suite Life on Deck) and Lamorne Morris, who reunites with Johnson from Fox’s New Girl.
The film premiered at SXSW in Austin, Texas, this year. Joe Swanberg directs, produces, and edits The Sun Never Sets. Known for directing Drinking Buddies and creating his Netflix series Easy, Swanberg skillfully crafts a film that excels across many genres. He effectively captures the dynamics of romance, personal boundaries, and relationships, allowing Fanning, Johnson, and Michael Smith to deliver authentic performances without making mistakes or excessive retakes. Notably, most of the film is actually shot in Alaska, which is the main setting. Be warned, some scenes can be tearful to watch, especially the climax.
With 103 minutes of love floating in the air, The Sun Never Sets is a charming, cute romantic tale offered by Dakota Fanning. The acting cast fit the bill, and it’s a sweet tale with its own heart and ability to capture a romantic story set in a peaceful location far away from civilization. The themes of romance and adulthood are highly appreciated. This movie balances comedy, romance, and drama, and has a degree of charm and cuteness. Honestly, this is one of those romantic movies that I don’t mind watching again, and it is a must-watch. I think fans of Dakota Fanning would appreciate this piece. If you want a peaceful romantic movie for your peaceful night, here it is.
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