Suncoast movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Suncoast

This coming-of-age dramedy is now available in select theaters and on Hulu.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 49 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

The movie is inspired by the writer/director’s own life experience from the early 2000s. Her name is Laura Chinn. The story is about a teenage girl who lives with her strong-willed mother who has to take her brother to a hospice facility as he dies of brain cancer. She strikes up an unlikely friendship with an eccentric activist during one of the most controversial medical cases in real life: Terri Shiavo.

THINGS I LIKED:

The cast is really terrific and includes Laura Linney, Woody Harrelson, Matt Walsh, and Nico Parker. They do a great job blending drama with comedy. Laura Linney’s performance is absolutely stellar as the crazed, protective mother.
We’re able to identify what time period the story takes place due to various clues like magazine covers about current events, clothing, and the real Terri Schiavo case that occurred in Florida. We see the protestors at the hospice, calling her husband a monster for giving up and demanding his wife be force-fed to stay alive. In one scene, the teenage protagonist is asked about her opinion on the issue and she explained that we can never know which decision was best for Terri Schiavo because we’re simply not in hers or her husband’s shoes. We’re often too quick to judge others’ choices without know all of the delicate details. So true.
I loved it when the grief counselor said, “I’m so sorry you’re going through this.” That seems like such a simple, obvious thing to say, but it’s surprising how rarely people say that. Last year, 3 of my parents died within 3 months of each other. We were shocked that when we called the various funeral homes to help us in the end, not one person said that to us. To them, death is an everyday occurrence and their bread and butter, so I think they almost forget what it feels like, but most people only experience it a few times in their lives. Why aren’t the phone operators at funeral homes trained to simply say, “I’m so sorry you had to call us today”?
We get to see examples of how people grieve differently. There is no right or wrong way. We all just have to get through it as best as we can and learn from it, showing grace and patience to others who mourn differently from us. We see that growth in the characters in the movie.
While the movie is about death, there is humor, as well as other topics that prevent the film from being overly depressing. That’s quite an accomplishment. The movie ends with a positive feeling of hope.
The religion that’s represented is Christian, although this doesn’t feel like a classic Christian film. What is shown is how even Christians grapple with their faith while simultaneously looking for answers. At one point, someone says, “I know he’s in a better place. I feel it.” Until we can full understand doctrinal points, that’s a perfectly good place to start.
You WILL cry.
At the end of the movie, we get to see a picture of the director’s brother before he passed away. She dedicated the movie to him, Max Kenneth Chinn. He should be really proud of her for creating such a powerful film.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

It’s sad to see vulnerable teens get mixed up with the wrong crowd and make terrible mistakes.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be bored.
A woman flips the bird.
Some profanity, including F-bombs
Teens drink alcohol and get drunk.
We see teens pop pills but we don’t know exactly what they are.
Some of the teens say extremely crude and inappropriate things.

THEMES:

Parenting
The value of life
Grief
Religion
Caregivers
Peer pressure
Kindness to others
Friendship

FUNNY LINES:

“The handsome ones never stay.” – Kristine (Laura Linney)
“You’re so full of shxx your eyes are turning brown.” – Paul Warren (Woody Harrelson) “My eyes are brown.” – Doris (Nico Parker)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Every life is precious.” – Paul Warren (Woody Harrelson)
“Do we blindly accept our the ethics of our government as our own?” – Mr. Ladd (Matt Walsh)
“I’m a feminist. I won’t be silenced.” – Laci (Daniella Taylor)
“This whole thing (life) is a gift. It may not feel like it but it is.” – Paul Warren (Woody Harrelson)
“When this is all over, I’ll learn how to have fun again.” – Kristine (Laura Linney)