The Sun Is Also a Star, based on the best-selling novel by Nicola Yoon, is a romantic drama film that explores the themes of fate, love, and the intersection of cultures. Released in 2019, the movie brings to life a captivating story about two teenagers from completely different worlds, whose paths cross in a single day, forever changing the course of their lives.
Plot Overview
The film follows Natasha Kingsley (Yara Shahidi), a pragmatic and science-driven Jamaican immigrant living in New York City, who faces the imminent threat of being deported to Jamaica with her family. Amid the chaos of her final day in the U.S., Natasha meets Daniel Bae (Charles Melton), a hopeless romantic of Korean descent, who believes in the idea of destiny. Daniel, who is preparing for an important college interview, is immediately struck by Natasha’s beauty and dismisses his skepticism about love at first sight.
What follows is a whirlwind day where Natasha and Daniel explore their budding relationship while dealing with their individual life struggles. Natasha is determined to stay in the U.S. and avoid deportation, while Daniel tries to convince her that their chance meeting is more than coincidence. Over the course of a single day, their connection grows deeper as they both grapple with questions of love, identity, family, and the decisions that shape their futures.
Themes of Fate and Love
The central theme of The Sun Is Also a Star is the power of fate and how even the smallest moments can change everything. Natasha, who believes in science and logic, initially dismisses the idea of destiny, while Daniel, who is a dreamer, believes that their meeting was no accident. Their contrasting views on fate and love create an interesting dynamic throughout the film, and as they spend more time together, they begin to challenge each other’s beliefs.
The film also touches on themes of immigration, identity, and the challenges that come with being an outsider. Natasha’s fear of being separated from her family and forced to return to Jamaica is a stark reminder of the difficulties many immigrants face, while Daniel’s internal conflict about following his parents’ wishes and pursuing his own dreams adds a layer of complexity to his character.
Performances and Chemistry
The chemistry between the lead actors, Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton, is undeniable. Shahidi’s portrayal of Natasha is both strong and vulnerable, perfectly capturing the character’s determination to control her own fate. Melton’s performance as Daniel adds a sense of warmth and sincerity to the film, and his portrayal of a young man torn between family expectations and personal desires is relatable and heartfelt.
Together, their performances anchor the emotional core of the film, making their connection feel authentic and compelling. Their interactions feel natural, allowing the film to explore the complexity of relationships and the deep emotional impact that love—both romantic and familial—can have on an individual’s life.
Cinematography and Direction
Directed by Ry Russo-Young, The Sun Is Also a Star is visually stunning. The film’s cinematography beautifully captures the energy of New York City, juxtaposing the vastness of the city with the intimate, personal moments between Natasha and Daniel. The use of bright, vibrant colors and soft lighting creates a dreamlike atmosphere that reflects the film’s exploration of destiny and love.
The pacing of the film is fast but balanced, reflecting the urgency of the characters’ circumstances while allowing for moments of introspection and emotional depth. The storytelling is engaging, and while some may find the concept of love at first sight a bit idealized, the film successfully portrays the emotional rollercoaster that comes with falling in love—especially when life feels uncertain.
Conclusion
The Sun Is Also a Star is a beautifully crafted film that explores the intersection of love, fate, and identity. Through the lens of Natasha and Daniel’s relationship, the movie delves into universal themes of choice, destiny, and the complexities of being an immigrant in a foreign country. While it may follow some familiar tropes of the romance genre, its depth, emotional resonance, and the dynamic performances of its lead actors elevate it into something more meaningful.
For fans of romantic dramas that offer more than just a love story, The Sun Is Also a Star is a film worth watching. It’s a heartfelt reminder of the serendipitous nature of life and the powerful impact that a single moment can have on shaping our futures.
