Who Loves the Sun

31 year old Will Morrison (Lukas Haas) unexpectedly shows up at Arthur (R.H. Thomson) and Mary Bloom (Wendy Crewson)'s home. He tells them that he has written a book soon to be published. Will was once Daniel Bloom (Adam Scott)'s best friend. Daniel is a successful writer. Daniel is bitter while Will is evasive. They are both angry with Daniel having had an affair with Will's wife Maggie Claire (Molly Parker). All three were once the best of friends until Will disappeared 5 years ago.

This indie really needs laughs. It's somewhat quirky but nowhere near funny. All three are perfectly fine actors. I like this group of actors. The script has no good jokes. The relationship struggle is prolong. Secrets are revealed. However the movie needs real excitement. The directions are too static. This could have also been big drama but it's not that either. It exists in a lackluster inbetween world.

I didn't know anything about this movie going into it so I was pleasantly surprised after watching it. Prior to seeing it I had been watching some rather disappointing independent films, so I was very glad that I saw this entertaining picture.

Will returns to meet his friends Daniel and Maggie after a five year departure. Staying at the lakeside home of Daniel's parents, the group intervene, recalling their past and trying to fix their troubles together.

Starring Lukas Haas and Adam Scott, two actors I grew up watching on TV and on film, I was glad to see the two on screen together. And Molly Parker, R H Thomson, and Wendy Crewson complete the wonderful ensemble. With so many great interactions between the characters, the film is filled with excellent dialogue both dramatic and comedic. For a great character driven film, Who Loves the Sun is a perfect selection.

You look at the cover of this DVD and you think, " I'm in the mood for a relationship-oriented independent film". So you get "Who Loves The Sun" and watch exactly what you thought you were getting. The actors perform according to the abilities you have seen them demonstrate before (although Lukas Haas was a more versatile actor as a child).

The story plays out according to plan, with some hi-jinx, some romance, some rivalry. Call it a generation Y coming of age story. It seems like the characters could just leave and go back to their lives, but they have to stick it out until everything gets resolved. Because that is what the story suggests. The cinematography is adequate. The dialog is up to today's independent movie standards. But wouldn't it be nice if something interesting happened?

I caught this movie on the Sundance Channel on cable one late afternoon. You might say "Who Loves the Sun" is a perfect leisurely pastime of a story, why ever not. You get to hang out with the trio: Lukas Haas is Will (returning after abruptly leaving everyone years ago), Molly Parker is Maggie (we learn she's very much part of the family Bloom), and Adam Scott is Daniel (is he friend or foe or fiancé), by the scenic Falcon Lake, Manitoba, Canada, captured in graphic compositions juxtaposed in vivid summer colors against sunshine and shadows. And supporting the trio are two more family members in the revealing mix: Wendy Crewson is Mom Mary Bloom, and R.H. Thomson is Dad Arthur Bloom. Writer-director Matt Bissonnette has delivered an ingenious unfolding of story-line and its various tentacle links - worry not, Haas may have a 'listless' face, but humor will come as Parker and Scott enter the circle of friends reunited, wry smiles will break and knowing delights stir. Dialogs may be terse or even nil, yet we'd get the flavor of what's cooking, bemused or wondering.

Yes, "Who Loves the Sun" can very well be categorized as a sleeper gem. The chemistry between all five principals sure gels and 'combusts', giving an energetic ensemble performance. After all, it's all in the family, and the film sure doesn't take itself too seriously.

Looks like the official site is still available at "wholovesthesun.com" and there are information on the soundtrack by Mac McCaughan (Portastatic with guitar tunes and strings) where score excerpts are being played, and behind the scenes production notes, interview with writer-director-producer Bissonnette on how the movie and concept came about, the casting and more. Have always appreciate Molly Parker since her spare yet mesmerizing performance in 1996 Lynne Stopkewich's 'Kissed', and she's married to Bissonnette, who "wrote the Maggie part for Molly."

"Who Loves The Sun" works its way through some prickly subject matter with enough wit and grace to keep the story not only engaging, but often hilarious. It's been a while since I've found such a thoroughly touching, thoroughly enjoyable film.

The film is gorgeous, drawing the eye with beautiful scenery and tranquil landscapes. The peaceful imagery contrasts wonderfully with the tension between the very human, very flawed, and yet very likable characters. Due to the excellent cast all five of the major players are wonderfully interesting and dynamic.

I recommend "Who Loves The Sun." It's a really funny movie that takes a poignant look at the hurts that we can inflict on each other, and the amazingly difficult but equally rewarding process of forgiveness.