‘Suncoast’ Review: A Sundance Debut With Shades of Nostalgia

Premiering at Sundance 2024, ‘Suncoast’ feels like a throwback to indie films of yesteryears, despite its contemporary release. Directed by first-timer Laura Chinn, the film adopts a familiar formula, relying on its sunny charm to compensate for its lack of originality. While it succeeds in capturing attention with its light-hearted narrative, it falls short of delivering the emotional depth required for a lasting impact.

The story revolves around Doris, portrayed by Nico Parker, daughter of Thandiwe Newton. Doris embarks on a journey of self-discovery, navigating the complexities of school life and family dynamics. Her relationship with her mother, played by Laura Linney, forms a central conflict, overshadowed by the backdrop of her brother’s terminal illness.

Drawing inspiration from Chinn’s own teenage experiences in the mid-2000s, ‘Suncoast’ nostalgically evokes the earnest dramedies of that era. However, despite commendable performances from Linney and Parker, the characters struggle to transcend the confines of their roles, often feeling more like actors playing a part than real individuals.

Woody Harrelson’s portrayal of an eccentric grieving husband adds little to the narrative, serving as a superfluous element in an already crowded story. While individual threads attempt to break free from the familiarity of the genre, they ultimately falter in leaving a lasting impression.

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Amidst the sea of familiarity, the mother-daughter conflict emerges as the film’s strongest aspect. Linney’s portrayal of a mother grappling with her son’s illness is both poignant and flawed, reflecting the complexities of grief and familial relationships.

In the end, ‘Suncoast’ settles for mediocrity, lacking the impact needed to linger in the minds of its audience. While it exudes a sense of amiable competency, it fails to elevate itself beyond the realm of forgettable entertainment. As the sun sets on ‘Suncoast,’ it leaves behind a fleeting memory, a nod to bygone eras of indie filmmaking.