Sunburn Movie Review (1999)
A light film about a summer when three Irish young adults spend their time on Long Island, Sunburn is a breezy story that highlights Cillian Murphy’s charms.
I remember when the movie Stealing Home came out in 1988. I loved that movie and watched it over and over when it was released on VHS. There was something about that summer at the beach, where first loves were discovered and the transition from teenager to adult took place right before your eyes. Even though I was young, I could sense the nostalgia in the story being told and it always stuck with me, even though the film itself isn’t all that great. This movie gives me that same feeling.
Sunburn is about three young adults from Ireland who spend the summer at Montauk in Long Island, New York. They arrive as part of a group, and get to know each other over their time there. Davin, a bad boy with no clear plan, is escaping his town because he has gotten a girl pregnant. Robert is looking to experience something new and Aideen wants to make money and just enjoy her summer.
There is very little depth to this film, although I kept hoping to find some. Davin, the most unpredictable character, cons his way onto the trip to the US, stays in an apartment while avoiding paying rent, works various jobs, and does everything he can to avoid his responsibility back home as well as the consequences of any of his actions.
Aideen works hard as a taxi cab dispatcher, stays consistent, and compares herself to her pretty roommate. She doesn’t party like everyone around her, but she enjoys herself and seems to have a good time.
The most interesting storyline in Sunburn, though, is the one between Robert and his older single female employer, Carolyn. His boyish innocence is endearing next to her sweet-naturedness. She is the only person in the film with an air of adulthood, and provides Robert with some direction and confidence. I wish there was more time spent on it.
The part of Davin is played by a very young and charming Cillian Murphy, who is the original reason that I watched this film. The only thing anyone ever says about Sunburn is that he is incredibly handsome in it – and he is – so if that is what you are looking for, this is the movie for you! If you’re looking for a great cinematic experience, you might want to keep looking. This movie is totally fine, it’s just nothing special. I think I’d prefer to watch Stealing Home again.
Runtime: 88 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: Not Rated
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Only if you want something light or love Cillian Murphy
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 2.75/5 Stars
Available: Free on Prime Video and Tubi or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
