The Sun Is Also a Star

The Sun Is Also a Star, a captivating film released in 2019, is a dramatic adaptation of Nicola Yoon's bestselling young-adult novel of the same name. This vibrant interpretation is a refreshing take on the concept of star-crossed love, capturing both the exhilaration and melancholy of what it means to find — and possibly lose — love unexpectedly.

Directed by Ry Russo-Young and packed with relevant themes, the movie casts the lens on two young leads, Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton. Shahidi, known for her role in ABC’s Black-ish, portrays a Jamaican-born teenager, Natasha Kingsley, who is on the brink of deportation along with her family. Meanwhile, Melton, known for his role in Riverdale, plays Daniel Bae, a Korean-American teenager stuck in the cross roads of familial expectation and personal passion.

At the heart of the film is a New York City-based love story that blossoms out of purely coincidental connections, challenging the narrative that love, given a cosmic nudge perhaps, might circle back despite time, culture, and reality.

The narrative unfolds over a single day, an impending deadline for Natasha's deportation. Meanwhile, Daniel is heading for an alumni interview that might be a decisive factor for his admission into Dartmouth, upon his strict parents’ insistence. Through a series of seemingly fateful events, these two strangers cross paths and against the bustling backdrop of NYC, they end up spending the day together. Their shared moments of connection, exploration, and poignant discussions propels the narrative and the audience is made privy to their fears, dreams and the complexities of their lives.

As the day progresses, immersive cinematography showcases the city’s aesthetic in a distinct light, framing the love story in a broader, multicultural canvas. The script also scrutinizes social dilemmas amidst cultural complexities, as exemplified by Natasha's impending deportation due to flawed immigration policies, and Daniel’s struggle between pursuing his dream of becoming a poet or yielding to his parents’ aspirations of medical career for him.

What powers The Sun is Also a Star is the undeniably electric chemistry between Shahidi and Melton, which lends truthfulness to Natasha and Daniel's rapid, yet profound connection. They subtlely translate the emotional depth of their characters onto screen, offering moments that are rich, mature and reflective, making the growing bond between their characters deeply stirring.

Shahidi, as the pragmatic and scientific-minded Natasha, brings a raw vulnerability to her character that echoes with the viewers. She is enchantingly conflicted - resistant to the idea of love due to her skepticism, yet yearning to be proven wrong. Conversely, Melton embodies Daniel's hopeless romanticism with enough charm and sincerity that rather than coming across as implausible, it becomes one of the highlights of the film.

Supporting characters such as Natasha’s attorney (John Leguizamo), and both their parents, weave into the narrative to expand the dynamics of the central plot. These characters, each skilled at symbolically depicting a piece of the spectrum of human emotion, enhances the story to its gripping climax.

The Sun Is Also a Star is a fusion of romantic fervor, a soulful exploration of identity, and a hard glance at the American Dream. Its emphasis on destiny and fate blend beautifully with the subject matter, and despite the film’s brevity, the narrative leaves a lasting impression.

Apart from its riveting script, the film also deserves praise for its artistic elements such as cinematography and music. The soundtrack is a mix of reggae, Korean pop, and American indie fare, which mirrors the multicultural aspect of the film. On the other hand, the vibrant color palette and stunning visuals effectively encapsulate the ethos of the characters' shared experience.

In essence, The Sun Is Also a Star brings to life a tale of love and fate, whilst exploring cultural and socio-political themes, neatly woven together in a memorable cinematic experience. It's an engaging portrayal of unconventional romance, showcasing the complexities of youthful love against the pulsating backdrop of modern America. At its heart, it dwells into universal themes about family, dreams, and the lengths one will go for love. While it is a mesmerizing romantic drama, it is also a thought-provoking comment on the human condition and the intertwining forces of love, fate and the universe.