Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
You Are My Sunshine is a romantic drama set in the present day and the 1970s.
The movie is told in flashback, with Joe (Charles O’Neill) remembering the day he first met Tom (Ernest Vernon) in the 1970s. As young Joe (Jack Knight) and Tom’s (Steve Salt) relationship evolves, they keep it hidden, hoping that one day gay rights will be accepted by society.
The present-day scenes show that Joe and Tom are still together and happy. Joe’s relationship with his sister, Ethel (Rosemary Manjunath), is strained; she can’t accept him being gay. Ethel’s son, John (Jonathan Butler), acts as the peacemaker between Ethel and Joe, but hopes they settle their differences.
Some Thoughts:
You Are My Sunshine is a sweet, innocent movie about love and acceptance. Its heart is in the right place, but the acting, writing, and directing are sub-par.
It’s easy to understand why Joe and Tom would bond, but we never see any turmoil or growth that a long-lasting relationship needs to sustain. Because of this, the film lacks tension and a connection to the characters. And when their relationship is discovered, the drama is more subdued than it should be.
This film would benefit from the tried-and-true plot devices that romance is known for. Without obstacles to overcome, even a story as sweet as this gets tedious. Having something for Joe and Tom to overcome would also give their relationship substance.
The Final Verdict:
You Are My Sunshine is a sweet film that lacks emotional resonance and gets dull fast.
