By Laura BennettMonday 23 Jul 2018MoviesReading Time: 2 minutes
If the poster doesn’t give it away, let me tell you ‘Midnight Sun’ is pretty much like romance writer Nicholas Sparks for preteens. From the quickly developing romance, to swooning, and life-or-death crossroads decisions each character has to make, it ticks all the expected boxes – but don’t let that put you off!
Diagnosed with ‘xeroderma pigmentosum’ or XP, Katie Price (Bella Thorne) is essentially allergic to the sun. Unable to be exposed to sunlight, she’s grown up in a house with adapted windows and only sets foot outdoors after dark. Like any kid who was ‘different’ hers has been a life of isolation, rumours, and exclusion.
Finding joy in music and her best friend Morgan (a determined 6yr old who wouldn’t let her play alone), it’s not until Katie’s long time crush Charlie (Patrick Schwarzenegger) asks her out that she’s tempted to test the limitations of her condition.
It’s definitely aimed at younger audiences, but if you don’t mind exposing them to a bit of first-love mushiness and drama, there are some valuable life lessons for all of us.
“It’s easy to define people only by their behaviour or looks or what you’ve heard about them, but everyone is more than a word or label.”
Front and centre is how we draw in those who are isolated – whatever the reason. Whether it’s sickness, life stage, or a language barrier everyone needs community and sometimes it’s on us to make sure they’re seen and invited in. We’re also reminded not limit people by their condition. For Katie Price, being the ‘girl with XP’ has framed her identity and the appeal of Charlie is that she can feel like a ‘normal teenager’ and in her words be “more than just a disease”.
It’s easy to define people only by their behaviour or looks or what you’ve heard about them, but everyone is more than a word or label. When Charlie falls for Katie he sees a side of her that hasn’t been awakened yet. Yes, we can put it down to stereotypical storylines, but it’s true that who we surround ourselves with plays a part in who we become.
Midnight Sun is a sweet film about love and the power of friendship, and how our brokenness doesn’t have to be a barrier to connection. Midnight Sun is on DVD now. See below for your chance to win a copy!
Win a Copy
Fill in the form below for your chance to win a copy of Midnight Sun…