Premiering at Sundance 2024, "Suncoast" attempts to capture the nostalgic essence of past film festivals but falls short in terms of originality. Emphasizing charm to compensate for its lack of uniqueness, this Searchlight-style crowd-pleaser may satisfy those seeking lighter entertainment. However, films in this genre typically require a deeper emotional resonance, something that first-time writer-director Laura Chinn struggles to achieve.
The movie weaves together familiar dynamics commonly found in Searchlight independent films. It follows the coming-of-age journey of Doris, portrayed by Nico Parker, the daughter of Thandiwe Newton, as she strives to assert herself at school and overcome familial discord. Doris grapples with her strained relationship with her mother, played by Laura Linney, who is preoccupied with caring for her terminally ill son. Adding an extraneous element to the mix, Doris forms an unlikely bond with a grieving husband, portrayed by Woody Harrelson, who is protesting outside her brother's hospice. Watch full length movie on Flixtor.
Loosely inspired by Chinn's own teenage experiences in the mid-2000s, "Suncoast" feels more influenced by the earnestly crafted dramedies of that era rather than the reality of the time. While Linney delivers a strong performance, her portrayal of a working-class Floridian feels somewhat out of place, as does Parker's portrayal of a girl from a disadvantaged background. Despite their efforts, the authenticity of their characters is undermined by a sense of artificiality.
Harrelson's presence in the film adds little to the narrative, primarily serving to enhance the star power. None of the storylines manage to break free from the constraints of familiarity, with the high school drama feeling particularly uninspiring and generic. However, the mother-daughter conflict offers glimpses of emotional depth, although occasionally overshadowed by moments of melodrama.