'The Sun Never Sets' Review
Release Date: 09/04/26 [Cinemas]
Genre: Drama. Romance.
MPAA: Rated R.
Distributor: IFC Films.
The Verdict: A Must-See
Joe Swanberg’s The Sun Never Sets is a modern love story set against the stunning backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness. Starring Dakota Fanning, the film follows Wendy, a woman in her early 30s who is trying to make sense of her life while confronting the pressure of her biological clock. Wendy is two years into a relationship with Jack (Jake Johnson), a divorced father of two who has made it clear that he does not want more children. Although Wendy insists she can accept that, Jack appears unconvinced. In a surprising proposal, he urges her to date other people and decide whether a future with him is truly what she wants.
Wendy resists the idea at first, but eventually agrees to the arrangement. She embarks on a string of lackluster dates, enduring each one less out of genuine interest and more as a necessary step toward returning to Jack. One night, a chance encounter with her ex-boyfriend Chuck (Cory Michael Smith) forces Wendy to reconsider what she truly desires.
The contrast between the two men couldn’t be clearer: Jack is settled in his ways and at times overly controlling, speaking to Wendy more like a father than a boyfriend. Conversely, Chuck is carefree but often frustratingly bland. After Jack reassesses his feelings, Wendy is left caught between jealousy and uncertainty, taking the audience along with her for the ride.
I’ve got to be honest and say neither male lead is especially likable, though I eventually found myself favoring one over the other. The drama becomes circular and feels like it’s stuck in a repetitive loop. This can feel tedious, but it also makes Wendy’s predicament more sympathetic. Swanberg deserves a lot of credit for portraying romance with realism, building the story around flawed characters rather than typical rom-com tropes. A sweet, unconventional ending neatly resolves the messiness and left me smiling. Overall, The Sun Never Sets is a solid romantic drama that’s worth a watch.
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