Review of Sun Don't Shine (2013) by Lee M — 14 Aug 2014

Indie darling Amy Seimetz writes and directs this obscure little film about a tense road trip between two lovers as they travel along the Gulf coast of Florida. The purpose of their journey is unclear but it is apparent that Crystal (Kate Lyn Sheil - You're Next) is growing increasingly fearful that Leo (Kentucker Audley - The Sacrament) is going to leave her in the near future for any number of reasons the audience begins to discern.

The movie is not one for mass audiences as little action occurs onscreen until near the film's end. Up until then, the film focuses on mood and emotion as the situation the characters find themselves in slowly unravels as Crystal's fragile psychological state may prove to be their undoing.

The actors are quite strong here as Audley's desperation and growing frustration is palpable as his Leo tries to calm Sheil's contemptible and clingy Crystal who is slowly checking out of reality.

Sheil is either a great actress or one I cannot stomach as few characters have annoyed me so onscreen in the past. Seimetz proves to be a talent behind the camera here and I hope she is given more chances to further a blossoming career.

I'm hopeful for her but as for Crystal and Leo -- hope is fading faster than a setting sunset.