Sunlight

Leon (Barry Ward), a recovering addict, is excited to spend his day off work with his close friend and sponsor, Iver (Liam Carney), who he’s been taking care of since he became terminally ill. However, when he arrives at his home, he’s shocked to see him in the process of carrying out assisted suicide. In a bid to change Iver’s mind about dying, Leon decides to take him out on one last adventure to remind him of the things he loved in life.

From here, Sunlight, the feature debut from Claire Dix, turns into a debate on the ethics of euthanasia. While Leon is adamant that life should be worth living at all costs, Iver’s doctor, Maria (Maureen Beattie) – the one he enlists to help him carry out his final wish – does her best to explain why she feels that people should be able to choose to die with dignity. The film effectively demonstrates both sides of the argument as viewers follow the trio on their odyssey through the small Dublin estate. Iver’s sheer joy at being reunited with the horses he adores so much shows that finding happiness in life is still possible for him; but the pained struggle to hold a pint of Guinness makes a strong case for why he’d choose to end his suffering.

As serious as the subject matter is, Ailbhe Keogan’s screenplay refrains from getting too bogged down in the sombre themes. Rather, the script aims to keep the tone upbeat with a sprinkling of lighthearted comedy. Endearing turns from Ward and Carney are the beating heart of this film: the heartfelt camaraderie between the two friends hits all the emotional notes needed to make their day together meaningful.

Despite the strong lead performances and tender script, however, Sunlight is rather unpolished, though never enough to spoil the friends’ touching journey. There are subplots that are brought up and never resolved (one involving a youngster who may be heading down the same destructive path Leon did) and a handful of jokes that don’t quite land. The most peculiar choice is left for the end when a tone-deaf musical performance (which is played as a joke) undermines the poignant conclusion to the experience.

Mishandled ending aside, Sunlight is nevertheless a heartfelt tale of life, love and friendship.

Andrew Murray

Sunlight is released in select cinemas on 16^th June 2023.

Watch the trailer for Sunlight here: