Suncoast

The name of the movie and the name of the Hospice, that is one of the major locations of the movie is a big misleader for the viewers, before they even start watching the movie. It is described as a light and almost fun movie, but it carries a ton of emotions and reactions, that are more connected to a heavyweight drama.

It is also categorized as such Drama, but both genres mesh together in a successful way, which pulls out reactions that are both funny and heartbreaking. The leading and young actress does a fantastic work, as she shines over two massive actors and does it gracefully and almost without stretching her acting to the limits.

It is a story of so many lost elements, that are challenging the lives of two main characters. One has lost her sanity and ability to smile or care about anyone; the other lost a large portion of her youth, innocence and almost became numb for a large range of feelings.

In the background we can see several elements that aren't handled properly, such as the weird and almost detached and unexplained relationship with an older man, that has lost his wife and now stands and struggles for one that cannot speak or be heard.

Woody Harrelson is pretty good in his role, but his character seems off and not connected to the movie more then a name for the cast and an extension for the plot, that won't go deeper. Laura Linney's character is pretty flat and she is at one of her worst and annoying performances ever, regardless to the fact she needs to act an annoying character.

Over both of them we can find Niko Parker; AKA Thandie Newton's daughter. She shines over all of them and she is the heart and sole of this movie. Hard to stay indifferent to this kind of performance and for this kind of movie, with all of his downsides. Its not an easy one, but it's a good one.

We have already seen these kinds of growing up movies, with a tragic side, that carries the weight of the story and almost tries to burst into each and every "normal" side of the movie, but it is not a movie you can easy forget or drop after watching it. Add the powerful performance from young Parker - don't miss it.

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.

3 out of 5 stars.

Suncoast is a fair coming of age drama film that gives great performances with the cast ensemble.

A tough story about a teenage girl trying to be a normal teen in high school. While struggling with grief with her brother being terminally ill. And her controlling mother struggling with losing him.

It is a tough story. While Nico Parker did a great job. Same with Woody Harrelson. The film can be emotional. It is a strong drama with her growing up. But missing out as a teen. Thats also the one thing the film struggles is missing out on that direction on what happened to her and her friends. The script felt undeveloped.