West of Sunshine is a 2017 Australian drama film that revolves around the life of a working-class father and his attempts to balance his professional and personal life. The film is directed by Jason Raftopoulos and stars Damian Hill, Ty Perham, and Arthur Angel. The movie takes place in Melbourne, Australia and follows Jim (Damian Hill), a debt-ridden courier struggling to make ends meet. He is a single parent trying to raise his son, Alex (Ty Perham) while dealing with the stress of his day job. Jim is juggling various work commitments, one of which is to deliver a package to a dangerous criminal before the end of the day, or face serious consequences.
As Jim delivers packages throughout the city, he tries to make as much money as he can while avoiding his debtors. The film contrasts his troubled life with his son's carefree, childlike demeanor. Alex is a young boy trying to navigate his way through life and finds solace in spending time with his father. Despite the challenges they face, Jim and Alex have a strong bond that helps them weather whatever life throws their way.
As the day progresses, Jim's personal and professional life intersect in unexpected ways. He's constantly running into old friends and acquaintances, which complicates things further. Meanwhile, his son Alex desperately wants to spend time with him, but Jim is too busy and preoccupied with work to give him the attention he deserves.
West of Sunshine is a character-driven film that explores the relationship between a father and son. The story is told through a series of vignettes that piece together a larger narrative. It's a slow-burning, contemplative film that's heavy on atmosphere and mood. The cinematography is breathtaking, with striking visuals that capture the beauty and sadness of urban life.
One of the primary themes in the movie is the struggle for survival in a tough economic climate. Jim is doing everything he can to make ends meet, despite the odds being stacked against him. He's a hard-working, blue-collar guy who's trying to provide for his son in the best way he knows how. The film portrays the harsh realities of poverty and the difficult decisions one has to make in order to survive.
Another theme is the pressure that modern society places on individuals to be productive and successful. Jim is constantly struggling to keep up with the demands of his job while also being there for his son. He's a man caught in a world that values productivity over everything else. The film asks important questions about the toll that modern life takes on families and individuals.
Overall, West of Sunshine is a powerful and poignant movie that's sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers. It's a beautifully crafted film with a strong emotional core that delves deep into the human condition. Damian Hill delivers a standout performance as Jim, imbuing the character with a raw humanity that's impossible to ignore. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in moving and thought-provoking cinema.
West of Sunshine is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 64.
