Suncoast

7.0/10 (Recommend)

I don't think the synopsis for this film clearly explains what this movie is about to the extent that it could. Part of me thought that it was going to be all about protests and just a surface style relationship between Doris (Nico Parker) and Paul (Woody Harrelson), but it is so much deeper than that.

While the story surrounds the brother's medical condition and another patients medical condition it isn't the focal point. The story is about a girl trying to find her place without upsetting those around her.

Nico Parker did a great job in my opinion as she went from quiet, shy, and awkward to more vocal and courageous about herself and her circumstances. Kristine played by Laura Linney was a lot easier to hate than to like, but you realize the circumstances compounded some of her decisions. The manipulation and guilt she puts on her daughter never sits right especially due to the outcome of the film.

This film is very relatable particularly if you've ever lost someone you love and care about. It gave me a gut punch as I couldn't be with my grandma at the end of her life and so the emotions of that time came back. It goes along with the phrase "say what you need to say now cause there may never be a later time to say it".

I think this film is rated 'R' for its real life portrayal of underage drinking, clubbing, drugs, and sexual innuendos. It doesn't go into the most horrendous portrayal of those acts, but because it's shown, the parental rating is higher. If you can get past that and understand that it happens in real life then this film is definitely worth watching.

That's all for now. Thank you for taking the time to read my review. Until next time.... Enjoy the show!

As someone who was coming of age in this time frame, I felt that the director nailed it. The casting was realistic, raw, and told an important story within a story. I disagree with the other reviewer who said that the script was afraid to go deep and remained cliché. There are not enough movies like this. Everything is trying to preach to us nowadays and that's not what this was - and its refreshing. If you look at the parallels between the ethics class and the statement made by Doris, about only understanding ethics or knowing what we believe when we are actually in that moment is so true. There is so much empathy for the character of the mother, but more so for the character arc of the daughter. Remembering what it would be like to be 17-year-old not wanting to miss out on all the important things to an average teen, but also having to deal with end of life is just something that may not resonate with everyone but its a human story. And you don't have to agree with the issues, but you have empathy for the character and nonetheless.

I wasn't enthusiastic with the entire story, yet this still was a very good movie. Nico Parker is a gifted and beautiful young actress, and her scenes with Woody Harrelson were endearing.

The crux of this film involves Doris' mission to be independent and lead a normal life. This plan is sidelined as Doris is forced to spend overnights at the Suncoast hospice facility, where her cancer-stricken brother is on his deathbed. She has to decide whether to enjoy her teen years (i.e. Going to prom or clubbing with her preppy friend group) or spend time with her mother and brother. Seeing Doris assert her independence during this family tragedy was what made this movie worthwhile.

There were some fluff high school class/party scenes throughout the movie that didn't resonate with me. I also think having more focus on Paul's personal struggle was necessary. But I ultimately smiled right before the final credits rolled.

Beautiful film. Grief is always an emotional topic to write about and portray in any form of media. There's so much that goes with it, and only those who have personally dealt with it can truly paint the right picture. The acting is all great, especially the main actor, Nico Parker, who does a great job. I saw her in The Last of Us last year, and she gets even more of a chance to prove her artistry here. It's at times difficult to get through, but there are those more lighthearted moments that delve into what it's like to be a teenager. I'm reminded of the Andrew Garfield interview he did with Stephen Colbert, where he talked about the grief he felt about his recently deceased mother. Grief is powerful, yet it is a representation of love and all that it encompasses.

As "Suncoast" (2024 release; 109 min.) opens, we are in "Clearwater, Florida", and highschooler Doris and her mom are transferring Doris' brother into a hospice facility called Suncoast, by happenstance the very same one where the Terri Schiavo drama is playing out. Doris is stressed out by her hard-charging mom and the overall situation... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the directing debut of actress Laura Chinn, who in essence is bring her own story to the screen. Laura Linney plays the mom who is, let's just say, not a very likeable character. Woody Harrelson plays Paul, an well-meaning eccentric who befriends Doris. British actress Nico Parker ("The Last of US") plays Doris. The film is not bad, but suffers from a rather uneven script, going on a dime from a "Mean Girls" reminding scene into dealing with life-ending situations. I had forgotten all about the Terri Schiavo situation, which made national headlines in the early 00s.

"Suncoast" premiered a few weeks ago at the Sundance film festival, and is now streaming on Hulu, where I caught it a few evenings ago. If you are in the mood for a coming-of-age while also looking at how to deal with loss, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.