Sundown

Greetings again from the darkness. How quickly we make assumptions and judge the actions of others. We all do it, and writer-director Michel Franco (NEW ORDER, 2020) seizes on this common human trait in this unconventional film centered on a man who simply doesn't act like we expect him to. Because of our tendencies to judge, Franco is able to confound, even frustrate us, by slowly revealing details that we wouldn't have guessed.

To pull this off, the filmmaker needs and receives a tremendous performance from Tim Roth. The actor takes a much different approach than his usual animated tic style, and here is exceedingly understated ... so much so that we are a bit uncomfortable watching him. He rarely speaks and seems distant from the others. The film opens with a family vacationing in Acapulco. They are clearly well-to-do folks, as evidenced by the stunning resort suite. Neil (Mr. Roth) and Allison Bennett (Charlotte Gainsbourg) are on holiday with two older kids Colin (Samuel Bottomley) and Alexa (Albertine Kotting McMillan). Our assumptions about what we are seeing are in full bloom, and that continues when Allison receives a call about a family tragedy.

As the family frantically packs and rushes to the airport for an early flight home, Neil claims to have left his passport at the hotel and will catch the next flight home. Instead, the film and Neil take a much different path ... one that leads to Neil becoming even more withdrawn. He moves into a cheap motel and spends his time lounging on the beach with a bucket of Coronas by his side. He befriends Berenice, a local played by Iazua Larios. Yet even then, Neil puts forth little effort to communicate. We keep asking, "What is wrong with him?" "What is he doing?" These are the same questions Allison asks when she returns to confront him.

As viewers, we are constantly revising the conclusions we previously jumped to as the details slowly eek out. This will likely cause frustration for some viewers, especially since Neil is not a likable guy - he just gives us nothing to relate to. Checking out from the pressures of one's life is never as romantic as it might sound, yet Neil seems extremely comfortable with his decisions. Class and cultural differences are at play here, and it's possible Roth and the film are at their best when answers aren't being provided. At least that's when the most tension is present. Franco's film is an unusual one, and certainly not one that everyone will appreciate, but he and Roth give us plenty to digest.

Opening in select theaters on January 28, 2022.

Sundown is a film that I find difficult to explain why I enjoyed it. It's definitely not for everyone, but I was pleasantly surprised since I expected it to be more on the pretentious art film side of the spectrum.

I didn't know anything about the main character at the beginning of the film, and slowly discovering more about him over the course of the film was really interesting. The pacing is consistent, although for some it may be a bit too slow, with entire scenes that have no dialogue. I personally thought this made it feel more authentic, as there were no forced conversations for the sake of drama.

It's very much a drama, but there was an element of mystery there. In the beginning, I didn't understand the motivations of Roth's character, I didn't understand the full scope of what they were going through. Piecing it all together as the film progressed was very rewarding, and the ending gave more closure than I was expecting (movies like this tend to end abruptly).

It's a 7.5/10 for me. I wouldn't recommend it to those that like plot heavy movies or dislike character studies, but I enjoyed it far more than I was expecting.

Well there is way more to it than that. And hopefully you either let my Blockbuster stinger slide by (if you recognized it) or do not care or compare it to Spiderman or anything like that. Because this is as far removed from anything remotely in that big budget category. But if you see the movie, you will get the pun.

Having said that, this drama we have right here is really good. I had no idea what this would be. One of the main reasons was because I watched it at a sneak preview. The other would have been that I don't read about movies I am about to watch anyway. And I was lucky enough to not have to sit through a trailer.

So the beginning of the movie had me guessing as to where this would lead. A family drama? A personal drama? Who is the main character in this? It seems to be one person and than we kind of find out it is another. And as subtle as that shift in focus is - the pace will not change. So if you do not like how this evolves, if you want to call it that, you can figure that out in the first 10 minutes.

Anyone else who sticks with it ... will get a slow burn! No pun intended! And a human that might be relatable to you - depending on how you view the world. Considering what we are about to find out, some will envy him, but at the same time also be happy not to be him. A strange mix, I know - but one that is apt.

Actions also speak louder than words. So while he is saying one thing, he clearly is doing something different. What is his motivation, if any you ask? Well the movie will let you figure that one out yourself. Still it is tough to convey certain things. Or have the movie delier all the answers. The ever so great Tim Roth (who looks great and plays even greater) is as minimal as he can be. Some may feel he is without feelings - but yet there lies passion in him. But minimalistic - he does not seem to care about most things ... which is something that is coming in handy towards the end ... a weird movie that seems to have few to no conflict ... and yet is able to deliver on tension and us wondering what is up next ... and why!

An incredible character study masterfully played by Tim Roth. SUNDOWN is a slow burn but beautifully shot, regardless of the paradisal surroundings. Those surroundings, ironically become more and more uncomfortable, too, as that burn starts to get hot, but never scalding.

Even though the mystery of Neil increases, there is never that "aha!" moment. That Roth expected diatribe shouting out the why's and wherefores in that incredible London accent of his. Instead, SUNDOWN provides a lazy tale of maddening degeneration, domestic beer, and, just perhaps, true love.

Totally worth watching. And totally entertaining. Totally wish, though, that the resolution was equally compelling.

I saw Sundown at the London Film Festival having been impressed by the director's "New Order" last year, though both films were made roughly at the same time. Tim Roth gives a magnificent understated performance of a man whose behaviour breaks with expected norms, asking us to imagine his motives. He subtlety of the director gradually and naturally reveals circumstances that may overturn our assumptions. The film has humour, violence, drama, and asks us to imagine what we do ourselves in he same circumstances. On top of these roiling undercurrents there are contrasted the beautiful but exclusive high-end beach resort with the crowded lively (and deadly) beach that the locals inhabit. Excellent supporting performances from Charlotte Gainsbourg and the others round out a thought provoking and well-executed film.