Sun

Sun

TRIGGER WARNING: the film contains scenes involving flashing lights and rapid colour changes that may trigger an epileptic seizure in sensitive individuals

A nightmarish journey through the dark underbelly of New York and a hell of trauma

Sunil is an underachieving dancer-artist. He keeps talking about his next ambitious projects, but not much follows. The driving force in this marriage is his wife, Ariadne. She is the go-to person in the New York arts community. When they’re out and about together, Sunil seems to be not much more than her embellishment. He starts to mind. So does she. Tensions rise and the unspoken resentment escalates one evening when the couple go to a party together. Pretentious chit-chats, loud music, naked bodies twisting in the corners. In a David Lynch film-like atmosphere, Sunil and Ariadne argue again. She walks out of the party; he is trying to find her. But New York at night is not a particularly friendly place. And Sunil begins his journey to the last ring of hell. Maybe that’s where he belongs?

“Sun” is a classic slow burn, a piece of cinema where the tension develops slowly, but once it explodes, it absorbs the viewer’s full attention. This independent horror film brilliantly captures the atmosphere of a party spiralling out of control and is truly terrifying. This comes not only from the night-time cinematography but also from the excellent editing, which at times gives “Sun” a feel of a rave captured on celluloid. The background is a cleverly woven but not overpowering reflection on maternity, marital problems and what a haven the art community is for sexual predators. “Sun” is a piece of horror cinema with an intellectual input. It frightens and makes you think – as we like it best.