Watch Sun Don't Shine
- NR
- 2013
- 1 hr 22 min
-
6.1 (1,267)
Sun Don't Shine is a 2012 independent film directed by up-and-coming filmmaker Amy Seimetz that tells a story of a woman and a man on a road trip through Florida. The film stars Kate Lyn Sheil as Crystal and Kentucker Audley as Leo, the two lead characters in the story. AJ Bowen also appears in a supporting role. The plot of Sun Don't Shine begins with Crystal and Leo in the midst of an argument. Crystal has just picked Leo up from jail, and the two are on a road trip to a small town in Florida. The reason for their trip is initially unclear, but it is revealed that Leo has killed someone and they are headed to the Everglades to dispose of the body.
As the journey progresses, tension between the couple spikes, and the viewer is gradually given a deeper look into the complexities of their relationship. Their conversation is often tense, and both seem to be at a loss for words on how to resolve their situation. Crystal is emotional and erratic, whereas Leo is cool and calculated. Despite their differences, the two continue on their journey and try to deal with the task at hand.
One of the most notable things about Sun Don't Shine is its raw and dynamic exploration of its characters' emotions. Crystal and Leo are both shown to be somewhat flawed and troubled individuals, and their interactions with one another create a palpable sense of tension. It's clear that the two care for each other, but their situation clouds their relationship and creates an obstacle that they struggle to overcome.
As the couple delves deeper into the Everglades, the film takes on a surreal, almost dreamlike quality. The Florida landscape serves as an eerie and otherworldly backdrop to their journey, further heightening the overall sense of unease. Along the way, the couple encounters various obstacles and setbacks, which only serve to further strain their already-tense relationship.
Seimetz's direction is particularly noteworthy, as she avoids overusing traditional narrative techniques in order to tell a more visceral and experiential story. The result is a film that feels more like a sensory experience than it does a traditional movie. Much of the dialogue is improvised, and the camera often serves as an intimate observer of the couple's journey. This unconventional approach lends the film an unmistakable sense of authenticity and immediacy.
The film's performances are also particularly strong. Both Sheil and Audley give nuanced and layered performances as Crystal and Leo respectively. Sheil, in particular, delivers a standout performance, imbuing her character with a raw and unbridled emotional intensity that makes her difficult to look away from. Audley, on the other hand, plays his role with a subtle and stoic reserve that provides a refreshing counterbalance to Sheil's explosive energy.
All in all, Sun Don't Shine is a deeply affecting and haunting film that lingers long after the credits roll. It is a testament to the power that independent cinema can have when a talented director is given the freedom to tell a story in a way that is truly unique and uncompromising. The film takes an unflinching look at complex and often uncomfortable emotions, and in so doing, it delivers a cinematic experience that is both visceral and unforgettable.
Sun Don't Shine is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 70.