Written and Directed by Michel Franco
Starring Tim Roth, Iazua Larios, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Albertine Kotting McMillan, Samuel Bottomley, and Henry Goodman

When the curtain comes down on Sundown, viewers are left to ponder to what extent, if any, they care for the justification of one man’s piling acts of selfishness. 

Neil Bennett (Tim Roth) is soaking up the rays during an idyllic Mexican beach vacay accompanied by his sister, Alice (Charlotte Gainsbourg) – a multi-millionaire business owner and her two adolescent children, Colin (Samuel Bottomley) and Alexa (Albertine Kotting McMillan). When Alice receives a call from the family’s lawyer, Richard (Henry Goodman) notifying of a tragedy that has occurred at home, they all immediately pack their bags and head to the airport. As Alice desperately secures seats on the next flight to the UK, Neil claims to have forgotten his passport at the resort and promises he’ll be on the next plane. It soon becomes evident that Neil never intends to return home.

A mostly observational film that offers mere hints of a plot trajectory, Sundown confidently capatalises on its initial capability at arousing questions from viewers concerning Neil’s actions and intentions. Why the absence of heart and empathy at a time his family need them most? How does his nonchalant demeanour and anything-goes vibe meandering the streets of Acapulco fit alongside his seemingly premeditated moves? We know Neil’s lies to his family come with a fast-approaching expiry date, so why the continued dishonesty through several phone conversations? Even an extreme change in choice of accommodation, surroundings and lifestyle don’t dent the almost permanently blank expression Neil carries on his face throughout the film. Heck, even a sudden and random shooting just metres away isn’t enough to change the man’s facial expression! As the film progresses, it incorporates the atmosphere of its locations to engaging effect but falls short on providing context for major life-altering decisions its protagonist repeatedly makes. Neil is unperturbed, uncaring, and terribly selfish without reason for so long, not even this film’s abrupt finale and 82-minute duration may be enough to preserve viewer interest through to the end.

Sundown is showing in selected cinemas across Australia from July 7th.

Moviedoc thanks Kismet for the invite to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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