"Lackluster conversations and shallow characters, this is what makes 'Sunrise' a sinking ship," this powerful insight from the viewers perfectly sums up the reception of 'Sunrise'. With twisted aspects of classic vampire cult movies like "Near Dark", the film "Sunrise" falls short of impressing audiences despite sufficient feed from the undertones of fear and violence.
The heart of 'Sunrise' lies in a dark underbelly where hatred breeds, and not all beasts are supernatural. This thought provides refreshing depth to the narrative, linking violence and racism to horrors far more significant than mythical bloodsuckers. But, unfortunately, the movie predominantly focuses on a MAGA villain and his cruel treatment of an immigrant family, thus diluting the core idea.
With failed attempts to weave narratives around alienation, the film lacks the much-needed subtlety and clarity. While Guy Pearce delivers a sharp performance, the film fails to utilize his full potential, nor does it do justice to the progressive ideas it hints at.
Pearce's performance stands out as consistently brilliant. His character, Reynolds, a man introduced amidst a maelity of racial slurs, is eerily captivating. Pearce excellently portrays this resentful villain who blames society for all his miseries, justifying his brutalities by considering them as his birthright entitlements as a white man.
However, the intrinsic threat that men like Reynolds pose to immigrant families forms the crux of the film. The Loi family's struggle for survival amidst this prejudice and hostility, allows for insightful social commentary but fails to drive the narrative convincingly. Fallon (Alex Pettyfer), a brooding stranger protecting the Loi family, is a supposed creature of the night with a longstanding grudge against Reynolds.
Despite promising elements, "Sunrise" struggles to keep the viewer's attention. Though featuring a strong performance by Pearce, the film is unable to unite its themes and narrative seamlessly, consequently failing to offer any substantial takeaway for the audience. Its forced extension from a short script to full length is painfully evident, making it feel more like an extended skit than a full-fledged movie.
