SUNCOAST 2024 REVIEW

 Imagine this, you’re at Sundance, surrounded by the quintessential indie vibe, and what do you stumble upon? Yep, you guessed it—a coming-of-age tearjerker. But hey, no shade to the genre; sometimes those films hit the spot, like Megan Park's quirky "My Old Ass" did this year. Unfortunately, Laura Chinn’s "Suncoast" doesn’t quite ride the same wave, landing in the forgettable pool of teen flicks.

In this semi-autobiographical tale, we follow Doris, played by the delightful Nico Parker, as she juggles life with her dying brother Max (Cree Kawa) and her emotional rollercoaster of a mother, Kristine (Laura Linney, though her role’s as underwritten as a grocery list). Doris is your typical sensible teen, unaware of her own awesomeness, probably because she's been living under the shadow of her brother's illness forever.

Things take a turn when Kristine moves Max to a hospice, introducing Doris to Woody Harrelson's activist character, Paul Warren. Their friendship unfolds at the pace of a snail on a lazy Sunday, failing to stir up any authentic emotions—kind of like trying to dance to elevator music.

Meanwhile, Doris starts throwing parties like it's her job, gaining friends faster than a cat video goes viral. But let's be real, the script's depth is as shallow as a kiddie pool. And don't get me started on Paul's disappearing act—he's in and out like a magician with commitment issues.

Kristine's character is another missed opportunity. She's juggling so much, you'd think she's auditioning for a circus act. But the film barely scratches the surface of her complexities, leaving us yearning for more.

Sure, there are moments of growth for Doris—she finally starts putting herself first, even skipping prom for a family emergency. But the resolution feels as tidy as a Marie Kondo closet, leaving us wanting more grit and less glitter.

In the end, "Suncoast" leaves you with a craving for a bit more spice in your cinematic diet, like it’s holding back on the good stuff, opting for a Disney-approved ending instead.