AceShowbiz - The Sun Never Sets, starring Dakota Fanning, recently filmed in Alaska and provided a truly distinctive experience for its cast and crew. This marks Fanning’s first project with writer-director Joe Swanberg, who crafted an indie dramedy centered on Wendy, a young woman navigating life’s challenges in the rugged Alaskan landscape.

The film’s narrative follows Wendy as she faces a relationship crossroads when her older boyfriend, a divorcé with children, suggests they take a break. Following this, Wendy encounters her ex-boyfriend Chuck, which pulls her into a complex love triangle filled with emotional turmoil and unpredictability.

Joe Swanberg assembled an impressive ensemble for the project, including Jake Johnson, known for his previous collaborations with Swanberg on films such as Drinking Buddies and Win It All. The cast also features Cory Michael Smith from Saturday Night Live, Debby Ryan of Insatiable, Anna Konkle from PEN15, Lamorne Morris of New Girl fame, and Karley Sciortino from Easy.

In a recent interview at the SXSW media suite, ScreenRant spoke with Fanning, Johnson, Swanberg, and Smith about the unique shooting conditions in Alaska where the sun barely set during production. Fanning expressed enthusiasm about the experience, calling it “really neat” and appreciating the unusual daylight hours. However, Johnson and Smith found the constant daylight more challenging and “bizarre.”

Cory Michael Smith compared the experience to the eerie atmosphere of The Walking Dead, pointing out the odd sight of intoxicated people wandering the streets at midnight. Johnson agreed, noting the cultural oddities that come with such extended daylight. Despite their initial discomfort, Johnson acknowledged the warmth and kindness of the Alaskan locals, while also highlighting the stark contrast of the region’s long winters, when the sun barely rises.

Johnson elaborated on the cultural differences, describing how Alaskans experience 23 hours of darkness in winter. He remarked on the surreal scene of children playing outside at 9:45 p.m. while simultaneously witnessing troubling behavior at a nearby gas station. Smith noted that had filming taken place during the polar night, it would have posed serious mental health challenges for the cast and crew. Both actors agreed that they were fortunate to shoot during a brighter period.

Fanning reflected on the opportunity to film in Alaska as something very special, emphasizing how the environment shaped her character’s outdoorsy nature, which contrasts with her own less adventurous personality. Smith also shared his personal highlight of playing a pilot in the film, recounting how he got to participate in flights around the state. While quick to clarify he did not legally fly the plane, Smith explained that immersing himself in the pilot’s world helped him portray the character authentically.

When asked about his long-standing connection to SXSW, Joe Swanberg explained that the festival supported his early work, with his first five features premiering there consecutively. He described SXSW as “home” and praised its audience and atmosphere as ideal for showcasing his films.

Johnson praised Swanberg’s filmmaking style and expressed admiration for his process and personality. During the interview, Johnson also spoke about the collaborative nature of developing his character, Jack, noting that they based many traits on Swanberg himself. The filmmakers worked closely with Fanning to understand what qualities her character Wendy would find appealing in Jack, despite his flaws and unconventional behavior.

The cast and director described Wendy as a straightforward and honest character whose communication skills, while sometimes flawed, are admirable. Fanning acknowledged that she infused some of her own thoughts and ideas into Wendy but noted key differences, especially Wendy’s strong connection to nature, which Fanning doesn’t share personally. Living and filming in Alaska naturally influenced the character’s adventurous spirit.

In summary, The Sun Never Sets offered a unique blend of challenging environmental conditions, rich character development, and a close-knit cast dynamic. The film will premiere at SXSW, where it is expected to resonate with audiences looking for an emotionally complex story set against the striking backdrop of Alaska’s distinctive light cycles.

This project stands out in Swanberg’s filmography as one of his favorites, highlighting his evolution as a filmmaker and the fruitful collaborations with actors like Fanning and Johnson. The unusual filming conditions, the heartfelt performances, and the rugged setting combine to create a memorable cinematic experience.

Overall, the film’s production in Alaska not only shaped the narrative and characters but also left a lasting impression on the cast, making it one of their most bizarre and rewarding filming experiences to date.