Ep1249: The Sun Never Sets (2026) - Movie Review and Red Carpet Interview
Joe Swanberg's new dramedy, The Sun Never Sets, was the closing night event of 2026's Chicago Critics Film Festival. Following the May premiere, Ian and David sat down for a spoilerific look at one of the year's best movies.
Now that the film is in limited release, the guys are ecstatic to share their thoughts with you! Swanberg introduces and dissects an Alaskan love triangle in an effort to disprove the age-old cliché, "If You love someone, let them go".
Jake Johnson stars as Jack, a wealth manager and single dad who's dating the much younger Wendy (Dakota Fanning). His refusal to re-marry has brought their relationship to an impasse. He insists that he and Wendy take a break for the summer so she can decide if she really wants to settle down with him. Enter Wendy's old flame, Chuck (Cory Michael Smith), a rugged, aimless pilot who represents the recklessness and freedom of her disappearing youth.
Join Ian and David as they talk improvisation, inspiration, and the film's surprising (and apparently wholly unintentional) connection to one of the greatest horror movies of all time!
Plus! Stay til the very end to see Ian's CCFF 2026 red carpet interview with writer/director/actor Joe Swanberg and co-star Cory Michael Smith!
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Show Links
Watch the Sun Never Sets (2026) trailer.
Follow David Fowlie's film criticism at Keeping It Reel.
Note: The opinions and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individual hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Kicking the Seat or any organization, employer, or company.
