Joe Swanberg Makes a Strong Comeback with 'The Sun Never Sets'

After nearly a decade without a feature film, Joe Swanberg, the renowned director behind the mumblecore movement, is back with a fresh project, 'The Sun Never Sets.' This film, which premiered at the SXSW Film & TV Festival, marks a significant return for Swanberg, demonstrating that while he may have stepped away from the spotlight, he has not been idle.

Swanberg's last feature, 'Win It All,' was released on Netflix in 2017, but he remained active in the industry through his acclaimed series 'Easy,' which concluded its run in 2019. The show, a candid exploration of modern relationships, showcased Swanberg's unique storytelling style, characterized by its improvisational approach.

Despite the appearance of a hiatus, Swanberg has been busy navigating a changing film landscape since the pandemic and personal changes in his life, including the end of his 20-year marriage to fellow filmmaker Kris Rey. He took on various television directing roles, opened a subscription-based video store in Chicago, and even participated in microbudget projects as an actor.

'The Sun Never Sets,' shot in 35mm in Alaska, features a talented cast including Dakota Fanning and Jake Johnson, both of whom deliver standout performances. The film tells a complex romantic story involving Wendy, played by Fanning, and her tumultuous relationship with Jack (Johnson), a hedge fund manager. Their relationship is tested when they attempt to take a break, leading Wendy back to her ex-boyfriend Chuck (Cory Michael Smith).

As the film seeks distribution, Swanberg reflected on the evolution of indie filmmaking, particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement, which has shifted the conversation around sex and intimacy in film. While his earlier works were known for their frank depictions of relationships, 'The Sun Never Sets' takes a more restrained approach, emphasizing emotional depth over explicit content. Swanberg explained that while he didn't use an intimacy coordinator on set, the actors felt confident in navigating their scenes without one.

In a recent interview, Swanberg discussed the rapid production of 'The Sun Never Sets,' revealing that filming occurred before the public announcement of the project. He expressed his feelings about the long gap since his last feature, noting that the success of 'Easy' made it hard to envision a similar experience again. He also acknowledged the financial stability that came from his previous work, allowing him to take his time in returning to feature filmmaking.

Regarding his relationship with Netflix, Swanberg shared that while he had discussions about future projects, the landscape has changed significantly. The platform's shift towards in-house production means that the opportunities for independent filmmakers like him have evolved. Nevertheless, he embraced the challenge of re-entering the indie film market, noting the importance of having a supportive cast like Johnson, with whom he has historically collaborated.

As he navigates this new phase of his career, Swanberg is eager to engage with the indie film community at SXSW and re-establish connections with buyers and investors. His experience in the industry has shifted, and he is aware that the dynamics of film financing and production have transformed since his earlier works.

Source: www.indiewire.com