West of Sunshine review: A touching father-son drama
Australian film West of Sunshine is set to hit VOD platforms on January 22. If you like small-town indie dramas you should add this one to your list!
West of Sunshine is a difficult movie to describe without giving away the story or underselling it, but I’ll do my best. The idea is simple enough. It’s a story about a father and son spending a day together. The parents are separated, and at the start of the movie we are made aware that the relationship between the father and son is strained. The audience also quickly learns that the father, who forgets he’s supposed to be picking up his son, has some issues.
The main issue, which is given away in the trailer and in the synopsis for the movie, is that he has a gambling debt that he needs to pay off.
The story
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While the gambling debt hangs over his head, Jim (Damian Hill) has to try to connect with his son. He has to do so on a day where he also has to work (as a delivery man), and knowing he has to pay off his gambling debt on this same day. It’s the dynamic between the father and son that carries the movie, and in my opinion, makes it a worthwhile watch.
The relationship between Jim and his son Alex (Ty Perham) felt authentic and at no point came off as forced or overly dramatic. There are moments where Jim lets his son do things his mother wouldn’t to be the “cool parent,” but then there are times where his toxic masculinity and clear lack of prioritization of his sons needs get the best of him. These two sides bounce back and forth throughout the film and you find yourself rooting for Jim to get his life together. For Alex, if not for himself.
The tension of the movie is the combination of not knowing if the father is going to fix his relationship with his son, and also not knowing what is going to become of him with regard to the debt.
Who is the movie for?
West of Sunshine is an Australian film so if you struggle with the accent you will want to use subtitles. Besides the accents, however, the film could have taken place anywhere as the story of a father and son with a strained relationship is universal.
Check out the trailer, below:
If you’re a fan of small-town festival type dramas you will enjoy West of Sunshine. It’s a movie with many touching moments that will find a way to suck you in if you like subtle, realistic dramas.
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Where can I watch it?
West of Sunshine will be available for a limited theatrical release on January 18 and via VOD platforms on January 22.