Sunrise Movie Review: Neither A Horror Movie Nor A Social Commentary

Sunrise Movie Review Rating:

Star Cast: Alex Pettyfer, Crystal Yu, William Gao, Kurt Yaeger, Olwen Fouéré, Guy Pearce

Director: Andrew Baird

What’s Good: Guy Pearce’s sharp performance as the detestable Joe Reynolds stands out, capturing the essence of a villain with racist ideologies and a sense of entitlement. The film occasionally succeeds in capturing the gritty essence reminiscent of top-tier vampire films, exploring the terrifying aspects of racism and violence.

What’s Bad: “Sunrise” grapples with generic dialogue, a lack of character depth, and an inconsistent exploration of its intriguing concepts. The film’s attempt to fuse a vampire story with themes of American racism feels awkward and lacks nuance. The narrative meanders through various genres, resulting in a slow and disorganized amalgamation of ideas.

Loo Break: Around 48 Minutes into “Sunrise,” Crystal Yu and Alex Pettyfer’s Conversation Offers an Opportune Moment for a Break.

Watch or Not?: While Guy Pearce’s standout performance adds value, “Sunrise” falls short of delivering a satisfying cinematic experience. The film’s lack of thematic and narrative unity, combined with excessive lighting and half-baked ideas, makes it a challenging watch for those seeking a cohesive storyline.

Language: English

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 1h 34m

User Rating:

The film unfolds in a picturesque yet haunted blue-collar town, exploring themes of racism, violence, and the supernatural. Joe Reynolds, a racist entrepreneur, commits a heinous crime against an immigrant family, setting the stage for an enigmatic stranger, Fallon, with potential vampire inclinations. As the narrative weaves through folklore, crime, and family drama, it struggles to coalesce into a cohesive and entertaining storyline.