Sundance 2024

Doris (Nico Parker) is a teenager whose brother has just entered hospice care, and her mother, Kristine (Laura Linney), has essentially moved into the facility, leaving Doris to fend for herself. Worn down from years of caring for her brother, Doris finds herself with newfound freedom and space to finally focus on her life. She begins making friends, throwing parties in her empty house, skipping school, and attending clubs and dances.

Suncoast strives for a poignant, character-driven drama, but unfortunately, much of it falls short. The dialogue, particularly between Doris and her friends, lacks the authenticity it needs to truly connect with the audience. For a film based on writer-director Laura Chinn’s true story, it’s disheartening how the conversations feel disconnected. Even Doris’ budding friendship with Woody Harrelson’s character seems more like a plot device than a naturally developed relationship, and the inclusion of Terry Schiavo at the same hospice facility, while based on actual events, feels like an unnecessary subplot. The Schiavo case is such a significant topic and a lightening rod for moral/political discourse, that its use here as mere background noise feels oddly superficial as if the film doesn’t know what to do with such weighty material.

Laura Linney does what she can with Kristine’s character, but even her tirades with the facility’s security officer feel overplayed and contrived. Her focus on Doris’ brother causes her to lose sight of her daughter’s needs and struggles, and while that dynamic could have been rich with tension, the film’s dialogue and pacing never allow it to fully take root. Doris’ emotional arc, though potentially poignant, feels disjointed as she flits from reckless rebellion to moments of sorrow, all without the authenticity needed to make her journey resonate.

It’s a shame because Nico Parker does a commendable job of portraying a girl trying to balance grief and a desperate need for independence. Parker’s performance is the one element of Suncoast that feels grounded and compelling, but the surrounding film doesn’t live up to that promise.

Ultimately, I’m not inclined to recommend Suncoast. However, I am curious whether this story will resonate differently with other viewers when it hits streaming platforms (Hulu or Disney+) in early February.

— 2.5 / 5 ⭐