You are here:

Sunburn

Name: Sunburn
Director: Nelson Hume
Released: 1999
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

1999

Not Rated

Director

Nelson Hume

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Sunburn is a character study focused on transient identity and the pursuit of hedonism. Using an Irish expatriate to provide an outsider’s view of Long Island, the film offers a moderate level of cultural inclusion. However, the narrative structure remains traditional, focusing on a male-driven journey of self-discovery without delving into broader identity issues. The emphasis on individualistic escapism limits the depth of its social commentary. Ultimately, the film lacks the complexity needed for a high progressive rating.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Sunburn have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on romance and social connections but does not clearly define the sexual or gender identities of the characters. There is no clear evidence of stories that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Sunburn portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on a male protagonist who follows traditional slacker clichés. He interacts with new friends but the narrative lacks clear evidence of women taking a leading role or challenging gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Sunburn?

Fair

The protagonist's Irish background adds an international perspective to the American setting. However, the racial makeup of the supporting cast and any overlapping identities are not addressed.

How does Sunburn represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film explores themes of escaping societal obligations and prioritizes individualistic behaviors like car-jacking and hedonism over traditional social or family structures.

Does Sunburn include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative does not address characters dealing with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health conditions.

Present on Screen

The Irish protagonist provides an international perspective and an outsider's view of American culture.
The narrative disrupts conventional expectations of productivity by centering on a character who avoids societal responsibilities.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks clear evidence of women playing significant roles or challenging gender hierarchies.
There is no clear evidence of LGBTQ+ identities or stories that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.
The racial and overlapping identities of the supporting cast are not explored within the narrative.

Official Synopsis

Davin McDerby is a handsome, irresponsible slacker who arrives in Montauk Long Island for a summer of fun. He has no intention of working too hard and every intention of enjoying himself as much as possible while simultaneously escaping the pressing problems that await him back home in Ireland. Over a summer of car-jacking, pool-hopping, and tequila-drinking Davin and his new found friends discover that they have affected one another causing them to re-evaluate their lives.

How are these scores produced? →