Exclusive Interview – Director Joe Swanberg along with stars Jake Johnson and Cory Michael Smith discuss The Sun Never Sets.

      Robert Kojder converses with director Joe Swanberg and stars Jake Johnson & Cory Michael Smith about The Sun Never Sets…

      A key figure in the Chicago film community, Joe Swanberg's return to filmmaking following a Netflix series and a creative break is a welcomed development. Having served as a travel coordinator for the Chicago International Film Festival and produced several low-budget Midwestern independent films (at one point releasing seven in a single year) while frequently acting in them, he has been a pioneer of the mumblecore subgenre (characterized by largely improvised performances and minimal scripting). Additionally, he has been instrumental in producing films for new talent, making his name well-respected in Chicago. His films generally explore relationships with sharp observation and emotional depth, and it’s exciting that he has returned to this territory with The Sun Never Sets, which delves into a complicated love triangle that ultimately expands into a love rectangle, set in Alaska.

      Swanberg has reunited with his dependable collaborator Jake Johnson (who starred in the much-loved Drinking Buddies alongside Olivia Wilde and Anna Kendrick, in addition to Digging for Fire and the more recent Win It All), while also bringing in fresh talent eager to collaborate. This includes Dakota Fanning, who portrays Wendy, a woman at a turning point in her life surrounded by friends starting families. Her older boyfriend Jack (Johnson) confidently suggests a summer separation for her to explore her life and decide if their relationship – which entails no more children (as she has grown fond of his daughters from a previous marriage) and a partner uninterested in boating and camping – is what she truly desires. He expresses to a friend over Zoom that he is not worried since everyone in Alaska is awkward and smells like salmon. Enter former love interest Chuck (Cory Michael Smith, another fresh face in this collaborative effort), who has transformed from his reckless past and is ready to offer Wendy a mature relationship this time.

      The film presents a beautifully honest exploration of indecision in love and relationships, portraying how well-intentioned individuals can confuse each other about their desires. The premise itself has a delightful absurdity, as you anticipate how it will ultimately impact Jack while hoping he does not lose someone he clearly cares for. However, both men display moments of toxicity, and in Jack’s case, he suddenly shows enthusiasm for planning a camping trip if it means winning Wendy back. Chuck's chemistry with Wendy is undeniable and could represent a more sensible future relationship, yet he too lacks the ambition to fulfill all of Wendy's expectations in a partner. This aspect becomes one of the film's intriguing themes, questioning the existence of a perfect partner who can entirely meet someone’s needs within a relationship.

      Consequently, the trio drives each other to frustration, sometimes bordering on manipulation, while also keeping the audience thoroughly engaged. The focus shifts away from who Wendy will ultimately choose and instead centers on her journey of self-discovery as an important life transition looms.

      Given the depth and authenticity present in the characters and their performances, I was excited to speak with director Joe Swanberg and actors Jake Johnson and Cory Michael Smith about uncovering those emotional truths and their unique collaborative approach. Baseball amusingly features in a bar trivia scene, so I naturally mentioned the topic (especially since Jake Johnson was wearing a Chicago Cubs hat during the call). I should note that a power outage at my home cut the interview short at the end, but we still had an engaging and insightful conversation. Enjoy the interview below...

      It's a pleasure to meet all of you. My first question is about baseball, even though you’re wearing a Cubs hat, Jake.

      Jake Johnson: I see the White Sox pennant behind you, Robert; we’re rivals!

      [Everyone laughs]

      JJ: Not a great start for us!

      We are! I really enjoyed the bar trivia scene and that baseball question. How did that make it into the movie? I’m guessing it was you improvising, Jake.

      JJ: Actually, no. Joe, how did we incorporate baseball?

      Joe Swanberg: It was Mike Brune, our AD, who plays the trivia host and is a big baseball enthusiast himself. Mike came up with those questions. It works perfectly; it’s the quickest way to illustrate the differences between these two characters. Watching the film at festivals has been rewarding because when he announces, “Our next question is about baseball,” and Chuck reacts with, “Fuck,” it gets a big laugh every time, signaling to the audience that he’s in trouble.

      Joe, while you're familiar with Jake Johnson, can you discuss what it's like to welcome new actors into the collaborative process and ensure everyone is on the same page?

      JS: When Cory and I first spoke, we quickly engaged in a two-hour conversation. I genuinely love making movies. I sometimes act myself and hold great respect for that role, and collaborating with new people is crucial to keeping this career exciting. So, it was enjoyable to introduce an environment that Jake and I are used to