Redemption Quest in the Shadows

Read Time:3 Minute, 41 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Sunrise
–

Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director(s): Andrew Baird
Writer(s): Ronan Blaney
Cast: Guy Pearce, Alex Pettyfer, Olwen Fouéré, Crystal Yu, William Gao, Kurt Yaeger, Richard Pettyfer, Forrest Bothwell, Riley Chung, Chike Chan
Where To Watch: in select theaters and digital/on-demand January 19, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: SUNRISE delivers an intriguing blend of horror and drama set in the deceptive calm of a small town. Central to the story is Fallon, portrayed by Alex Pettyfer, a former cop who takes a dark turn and is now living a conflicted existence, which is captivating from the start. The film's opening sequence immediately hooks viewers with a narrative that balances the eerie and the emotional. Although the film occasionally struggles to find its footing while “biting off” more than it can chew and dilute its narrative with too many veins running through the film.

Fallon's character, navigating the complexities of his new “life,” tries to balance the shadows of his past and the grim reality of his new present. His interactions with a benevolent immigrant family highlight the internal conflict he faces, torn between his dark impulses and a chance at redemption. Which path will he take?

The script incorporates local myths, notably the chilling legend of The Red Coat, enriching the plot and addressing broader themes such as xenophobia and small-town idiosyncrasies, elevating SUNRISE beyond a typical horror movie. While also becoming overwhelming and wandering too far from the core narrative.

Fallon's inner battle, the heart of SUNRISE, unfolds as a suspenseful journey through moral dilemmas, potential romance, and self-discovery while concealing his true nature. I would have liked to have seen a more consistent tone throughout; these moments shine, but others slow the story down too much. The character development could be more balanced. Unfortunately, Guy Pearce's character, Reynolds, is one-dimensional and portrayed as a somewhat generic antagonist, lacking depth and nuance. Despite this, SUNRISE establishes itself within the genre, engaging audiences with fun storytelling and intriguing possibilities.

Director Andrew Baird's confidence in his lead actors pays off, with their performances adding layers to the narrative, specifically Pettyfer, adding to the film and making this character his own. SUNRISE is a unique blend of horror and drama, prompting viewers to reflect on redemption, morality, and the human struggle between light and darkness. Although I wish the plot would have leaned a little heavier into the darker side of things, seeing more of the why and where this core story came from.

Despite these flaws, SUNRISE engages with compelling plot twists and atmospheric tension, especially in revealing the town's secret. Pettyfer's portrayal of Fallon adds depth to a lore that has been around for a long time, supported by a rich story interwoven with folklore and moral conflict.

SUNRISE is an engaging blend of horror, drama, and social commentary. It stands out for its unique take on mythology, compelling character arcs, and a storyline that combines suspense with emotional depth. While not flawless, it offers a thought-provoking experience and is a notable addition to the genre. Most horror fans will be able to find something they appreciate in the film, even if it doesn’t redefine the genre.

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[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE]

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