Suncoast: A Familiar Yet Charming Searchlight Crowd-Pleaser

The movie centers around Doris, a determined girl on a journey of self-discovery. She breaks free from the shadows at school, forming new friendships and exploring her romantic side. Alongside her personal growth, Doris also faces a challenging family dynamic, clashing with her difficult mother.

Laura Linney delivers a commendable performance as Doris’ mother, portraying a character devoted to caring for her terminally ill son. The strained relationship between mother and daughter adds depth to the story. Additionally, Doris forms an unlikely friendship with an eccentric grieving husband, portrayed by Woody Harrelson, who protests outside the hospice where her brother is receiving care.

Based loosely on the writer-director Laura Chinn’s own experiences growing up in the mid-2000s, Suncoast captures the essence of earnestly made dramedies from that era. While the film may not fully immerse viewers in its world, it remains a pleasant and competently made watch.

Laura Linney Shines in a Captivating Performance

Laura Linney delivers a commendable performance as Doris’ mother in Suncoast. She portrays a brittle character who is always on the brink of a meltdown, grappling with the impending loss of her child. Linney’s portrayal, although at times played too broadly, manages to be affecting and poignant.

The film explores the toll that pre-grief can take on a person, transforming them into someone who may not be pleasant to be around. Linney’s portrayal captures the complexity of this character, finding its most authentic moments within the mother-daughter conflict.

Despite the challenges of fully embracing her as a working-class Floridian, Linney’s captivating presence shines through, adding depth and emotional resonance to Suncoast.

Nico Parker’s Charming Performance as Doris

Nico Parker delivers a charming performance as Doris, the determined protagonist of Suncoast. As a young actor, Parker brings a refined demeanor to the role, which at times makes it difficult to fully believe in her portrayal of an unnoticed girl from the wrong side of the tracks.

However, Parker’s talent shines through, capturing the audience’s attention and creating a likable and relatable character. Despite the challenges of fully immersing viewers in Doris’ world, Parker’s performance adds an endearing quality to Suncoast.

Woody Harrelson’s Superfluous Inclusion

Woody Harrelson’s inclusion in Suncoast feels superfluous, as his character’s purpose seems to be merely to add a recognizable name to the cast. While Harrelson is a talented actor, his presence does little to enhance the already slight storyline.

Despite this, Harrelson’s portrayal of an eccentric grieving husband protesting outside the hospice where Doris’ brother receives care adds a touch of quirkiness to the film. However, it does not significantly contribute to the overall narrative or character development.

A Pleasant and Competently Made Film

Suncoast, while lacking originality, remains a pleasant and competently made film. Its abundance of charm and familiar storytelling elements make it an enjoyable watch for fans of the Searchlight genre.

The film weaves together various dynamics, including coming-of-age, family drama, and unlikely friendships. Although the narrative threads may not break free from the shackles of familiarity, there are still moments that resonate, particularly in the mother-daughter conflict.

Overall, Suncoast may not leave a lasting impact, but it offers an entertaining experience, especially when the stakes are low. Available on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK starting February 9th.