In this semi-autobiographical tale, helmed by Laura Chinn, a teenage girl is given the space to “get by” while dealing with the end-of-life decisions her family is facing.
Doris (Nico Parker) juggles caring for her terminally ill brother with a search for balance in her high school life. Her mother (Laura Linney), who is often harsher than helpful, deals with similar issues. Life flips when Doris befriends the offbeat Paul (Woody Harrelson), who is protesting to save the life of Terri Schiavo in the landmark early 2000s lawsuit. The result is an unexpected opportunity for growth, solidarity, and just a touch of trouble.
Suncoast is lovely. It’s not an easy film but it is salty and sweet and that makes it rewarding to watch. Despite occasional slow pacing, the film hits its emotional bullseye. The writing is honest. The performances are understated yet charmingly aching, and the onscreen chemistry renders Chinn’s personal narrative tenderly without being syrupy.
Parker vividly embodies teen turbulence, playing Doris with a mix of uncertainty, hopefulness, and genuine kindness. Linney as the wrung-out mother, Christine, a woman under duress, manages to be both slapable and sympathetic. Grief is a live wire in her performance. Meanwhile, Harrelson’s Paul provides Doris with the opinionated yet open counterbalance she needs.
