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Reviews
Sunlight Jr. (2013)
Moving, though-provoking movie with stellar performances by Watts and Dylan
Sunlight Jr., staring Naomi Watts and Matt Dylan doesn't sugar coat anything and that's a good thing. The subject of the movie, the working poor, along with stellar performances make for an intense, deeply moving and though-provoking film.
At heart a love story, the movie reveals the tremendous obstacles minimum wage works face to have a decent life in this country. Watts is haunting in an understated performance as Melissa, a convenience store worker with dreams of going to college and improving her life. She's in love with Richie (Dylan) a paraplegic, who also wants to make a better life for himself and protect her from her menacing ex-boyfriend, played wonderfully by Norman Reedus.
The beauty of Melissa and Richie's love shines through the bleak circumstances of their lives in Florida through convincing dialog that focuses as much on what's left unsaid as on their actual words. On the whole, Sunlight Jr. is a poignant and believable story conveyed by enormous talent—- I bet Dylan wins an award for this amazing performance!