By Bonnie DeShong
There are many famous films that tell a love story. There are many more that aren’t as well known.
THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR is one that I hope doesn’t get lost. As usual it is the story of two people from different worlds with different beliefs.
Natasha comes from a close and loving Jamaican family. She has lived in the United States for nine years, loves school and believes what can be proven through science. Nothing happens by fate, coincidence, or destiny.
Daniel is Korean American and, when he was born, his family felt he was destined to be a doctor, even though he really wants to be a poet. He believes in love, dreams, fate and, of course, destiny.
One morning Natasha puts on her favorite jacket with the words “Deus Ex Machina,” which is Latin for “God from the machine” on the back of it and sets out to see an attorney. Her family is going to be deported back to Jamaica in 24 hours and she is trying to stop the action. Her parents have given up and are packing to go back, even though her father has been a hard worker to provide for his family. Never broken any laws, just wanting to give his children a better life. He was a dreamer.
On that same morning Daniel puts on his suit and tie and sets out to go to an interview with an attorney to get a recommendation to attend medical school, as his parents would like him to do. On his way, he writes in his journal the words “Deus Ex Machina.”
At the train station Daniel spots Natasha in the jacket and decides fate is playing a hand. As he follows her on and off the train and down the street a car runs a bicyclist off the road, and Daniel sees Natasha walking in the path of the same car. He runs and pulls her away. hey meet and, on a dare, he claims he can make her fall in love with him in 24 hours; 24 hours unbeknownst to him she doesn’t have.
Yara Shahidi as Natasha and Charles Melton as Daniel are purposeful in bringing these characters to life. I love that it is simple and wishful, yet complex.
The story isn’t cut and dry, and I found myself really wanting things to come out well in the end. So many messages about today’s times. Is there really a solid thing called destiny? Can you fall in love with someone in 24 hours? And yes, the sun really is a star.
Please see this film before it leaves the theaters.
Until next time keep your EYE to the sky!
