Michel Franco makes us uncomfortable again with Sundown.
The writer/director has proven divisive over his career, establishing a brand of confrontational, cold films that delve into topics most people don’t want to look at too closely. After Lucia dealt with bullying, New Order class unrest, and now with Sundown, he appears to be taking on patriarchal malaise.
Previous Franco collaborator Tim Roth stars as Neil, who in this trailer is unsatisfyingly wasting time on a Mexican beach. He naps. He drinks. His face hangs flat. Why he’s stuck there is filled out by the appearance of Charlotte Gainsbourg, presumably playing his wife, who accuses him of abandoning his family on false pretenses.
In comparison to other Franco films this seems narratively sparse. I mean, his last film had a whole social revolt. This seems to just be some sad dude on a beach. What does fit with Franco’s history is the off-putting coldness on display and the kind of reaction it got from its festival run. They indicate it’s either a smart, provocative film or an undercooked bore. Yep, that sounds like Franco, so if you’re into his style of filmmaking, you’ll probably want to check this one out. If not, then stay far away from it.
Sundown is directed by Michel Franco and stars Tim Roth, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Iazua Larios. It will be released in the US on January 28th, 2022. Further release dates are not currently known.
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