The Sun Never Sets Review: Joe Swanberg's Comeback is Trapped in a Routine

      It has been almost ten years since Joe Swanberg last directed a film. What does the prominent figure of mumblecore have in store now? Essentially, more of the same. For those acquainted with works like Drinking Buddies, Digging for Fire, and Happy Christmas, The Sun Never Sets is unlikely to offer many surprises; the filmmaker's low-budget style and relaxed approach to assembling characters in a quasi-romantic comedy framework for them to bicker and banter are well-preserved.

      Dakota Fanning plays Wendy, an Alaskan construction worker who is in a relationship with Jack (played by Swanberg favorite Jake Johnson), an older, divorced man with two children who is quite set in his ways. From the outset, it’s hard to understand what could bring these two together. Their lifestyles are vastly different: Wendy is adventurous and outgoing, while Jack is the type who prefers to stay home, watch movies, and avoid social situations at all costs. Compounding the issue is a marked lack of chemistry between Fanning and Johnson. Fanning manages to elevate much of the film through her will and by highlighting the humanity in a script that lacks depth, while Johnson seems to be channeling a typical TV sitcom character.

      The Sun Never Sets is built on a precarious premise, where Jack encourages Wendy to explore her independence for six months before she decides if she wants to settle down with him. He insists that he is unlikely to change his way of life, so she deserves the chance to determine if this relationship is truly what she desires. While he presents this idea in a casual and cordial manner, he is firm in his intention, despite her protests that she has no interest in this and simply wants to enjoy their time together. This scenario is frustrating and raises immediate red flags, suggesting she would be better off without him. Unsurprisingly, she soon reconnects with her former partner Chuck (Cory Michael Smith), who wasn't ready for commitment before but now appears eager to give Wendy what she lacks from Jack.

      Wendy, Jack, and Chuck navigate their relationships against the stunning Alaskan backdrop, professing their unwavering love one moment and undermining those sentiments for trivial reasons the next. Although Swanberg's trademark laid-back style is consistent throughout The Sun Never Sets, the repetitive push-pull dynamic can quickly become tiresome. Character development stalls, and the cast does not contribute enough energy to compensate for what's missing in the script. Although Swanberg loosely bases some key aspects on his own experiences, there often isn't enough substance to support a cohesive narrative.

      Nevertheless, there are occasional bursts of energy, such as a confrontation between Wendy and Jack in a bar bathroom while they are both on dates with others. What begins as a tense argument unexpectedly shifts to laughter over the absurdity of their situation, leading to a realization that it’s time to cease the foolishness and reunite. One wishes that this kind of self-aware charm appeared more throughout the film, or that these amusing exchanges didn't lose their novelty for the characters long before the end credits.

      The Sun Never Sets certainly benefits from its distinctive setting, with cinematographer Eon Mora using sharp 35mm film to capture Alaska's almost continuous daylight. Scenes like the bar confrontation take on a peculiar glow as the characters step outside late at night only to be met with bright daylight. Praise goes to Swanberg for choosing this location; without it, there wouldn’t be much substance to the film.

      The Sun Never Sets will be released in limited theaters on August 28 and will expand to a wider audience on September 4.