Sunburn

Nothing can seem more idyllic and more relaxing, then spending the summer at at a quiet beachside town. It can be even more appealing when you’re looking to escape responsibility. In Sunburn the talented Cillian Murphy plays Davin, a larkish Dubliner who through fear of becoming a father, takes an impromptu work-holiday to the seaside town of Montauk, NY. Joining him on this holiday are several of his Irish peers, notably a childhood friend Robert (Robert Fiske) and the love interest Aideen (Paloma Baeza). If you’ve been to or are familiar with Montauk, you’ll know that in recent years it’s taken on the reputation for it’s bougie and snobbish attitude, and although that may not be entirely accurate, there still is a piece of the old Montauk that is no longer there.

It was a piece from the time when Montauk was simply known as a “drinking town with a fishing problem”. This movie is a time-capsule to that Montauk, and as a native Long Islander who grew up vacationing there in the summer, it’s nostalgic to see. Leaving the setting aside, the coming-of-age tale we have is nothing short of well written, well grounded, and well acted. Both Davin and Robert confront the inevitable fact that no matter where you go and how much you resist, there will always be a time when you need to grow up, and handle your responsibilities. If you enjoy coming-of-age type movies, with an international perspective, you’ll want to watch this one.

Directed By: Nelson Hume

Starring: Cillian Murphy, Robert Fiske

Runtime: 89 minutes Year Released: 1999