Sundown

An incredible character study masterfully played by Tim Roth. SUNDOWN is a slow burn but beautifully shot, regardless of the paradisal surroundings. Those surroundings, ironically become more and more uncomfortable, too, as that burn starts to get hot, but never scalding.

Even though the mystery of Neil increases, there is never that "aha!" moment. That Roth expected diatribe shouting out the why's and wherefores in that incredible London accent of his. Instead, SUNDOWN provides a lazy tale of maddening degeneration, domestic beer, and, just perhaps, true love.

Totally worth watching. And totally entertaining. Totally wish, though, that the resolution was equally compelling.

Unusual, interesting film that doesn't fully succeed to be what it is until it ends. That finale causes everything that occurred earlier to make sense, but this will be a slow go for those seeking more immediate answers to the puzzling behavior of the lead character, excellently portrayed by Tim Roth. The entire cast is fine, but it is his show. Ultimately, a touching, intriguing film for the patient.

Well there is way more to it than that. And hopefully you either let my Blockbuster stinger slide by (if you recognized it) or do not care or compare it to Spiderman or anything like that. Because this is as far removed from anything remotely in that big budget category. But if you see the movie, you will get the pun.

Having said that, this drama we have right here is really good. I had no idea what this would be. One of the main reasons was because I watched it at a sneak preview. The other would have been that I don't read about movies I am about to watch anyway. And I was lucky enough to not have to sit through a trailer.

So the beginning of the movie had me guessing as to where this would lead. A family drama? A personal drama? Who is the main character in this? It seems to be one person and than we kind of find out it is another. And as subtle as that shift in focus is - the pace will not change. So if you do not like how this evolves, if you want to call it that, you can figure that out in the first 10 minutes.

Anyone else who sticks with it ... will get a slow burn! No pun intended! And a human that might be relatable to you - depending on how you view the world. Considering what we are about to find out, some will envy him, but at the same time also be happy not to be him. A strange mix, I know - but one that is apt.

Actions also speak louder than words. So while he is saying one thing, he clearly is doing something different. What is his motivation, if any you ask? Well the movie will let you figure that one out yourself. Still it is tough to convey certain things. Or have the movie delier all the answers. The ever so great Tim Roth (who looks great and plays even greater) is as minimal as he can be. Some may feel he is without feelings - but yet there lies passion in him. But minimalistic - he does not seem to care about most things ... which is something that is coming in handy towards the end ... a weird movie that seems to have few to no conflict ... and yet is able to deliver on tension and us wondering what is up next ... and why!

Excellent, 'show don't tell ' example of movie making. A metaphor. An unreliable narrator.

Tim Roth is understated brilliance personified.

Michel Franco directs with great feeling and symbolism (the pig, upmarket and local Acapulco)

At the beginning, say, 20 minutes into the film I, like probably everybody else, kept thinking what an asshole. Right in the middle I made a decision I never want to be really rich or go to Mexico, even on a short holiday. At the end I realized it was the best film about the fear of death I've ever seen.