Suncoast Review
Have you ever watched a movie that is filled with completely devastating moments, but you just can’t look away? Suncoast is exactly that half of the time, but the rest of the time it is funny, smart, and a shining light in a world of darkness.
Laura Chinn serves as both writer and director and provides a look into what her life was like in the early 2000s. She is unafraid to tell the harsh darkness that comes with the light, using her own life as inspiration for Suncoast.
This film follows Doris, played by Nico Parker, whose brother, played by Cree Kawa, is fighting a losing battle with brain cancer and must be moved into a specialized facility – Suncoast. Their mother, played by Laura Linney, is doing everything she can to just continue living life, but is understandably struggling knowing the loss of her son is imminent.
Doris is not only dealing with the grief and confusion that comes along with having a dying sibling, but she is also just trying to survive teenage hood. Not an easy feat. She ends up forming an unlikely friendship with a widowed activist Paul, played by Woody Harrelson, amidst protests surrounding one of the most landmark medical cases of all time, surrounding Terri Schiavo. For those unfamiliar with the Schiavo case, it surrounds the removal of her feeding tube in order to quicken her death after being in a vegetative state for years.
Suncoast explores the ins and outs of life and death, as well as touches on morality without shoving either view down your throat. It allows the viewer to have their own beliefs and still enjoy this film, which is important when covering a controversial topic like this. It also manages to squeeze in a coming-of-age story that is relatable, even though many people have not had to deal with the same things that Doris has. Still, parents get distracted with one child over the other at times, for different reasons, and the way that both Laura Linney and Nico Parker play this relationship is fantastic and realistic.
Que Woody Harrelson who adds some much needed humor and bright spots to the film, while also reading the room and being a part of the heavy discussions. He and Parker also have great chemistry, which is to say that Parker is very much the standout in Suncoast. She knew the assignment and she succeeded. This film doesn’t work without a strong lead, and that is exactly what she brings to the table with her incredible performance.
The score does a wonderful job of heightening emotions during pivotal moments and elevating Chinn’s script and direction. While there are a few pacing issues as Suncoast can sometimes start to drag or feel like it isn’t heading in the direction of a climax or worthwhile ending, this is an impressive directorial debut for Chinn.
There are moments that are utterly devastating, but enough heart and inspiration throughout the film to make it worth it. As a parent, it is easy to relate to Linney and understand what her character is going through. She offers up a performance that many will feel in their bones.
Nico Parker doesn’t necessarily carry the film, but she is the main reason to watch it. She delivers an amazing performance from start to finish.
Suncoast might not be perfect, but it is an emotional roller coaster that you will be glad you went on in the end.
Suncoast streams on Hulu starting February 9th.
Rating: 3 out of 5
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She owns Mama’s Geeky, but also is a freelance writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for more than ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association. Her passion for film, television, video games, and comic books started when she was a little girl and has only continued to grow.