Currently in theaters portraying royalty in “Diana,” the upcoming indie “Sunlight Jr.” is a reminder of the range Naomi Watts can deliver. Here in a completely different role, she sheds designer fashion and opulence for discount chain clothes and a grittier tale about two people just trying to make it to the next day.
Co-starring Matt Dillon and written and directed by Laurie Collyer (“Sherrybaby“), the story follows Melissa and Ray, a devoted but permanently down-on-their-luck couple struggling to make ends meet and pay the bill for the motel room they live in. And even the good news of Melissa’s pregnancy brings with it the knowledge that they may not have the resources to care for a child. It’s tough material, but there are moments of hope too, and in this exclusive clip we share one of the lighter times between Melissa and Ray.
Featuring a score from Dinosaur Jr. frontman J. Mascis, we called the film “Unflinchingly honest and grim…a valuable piece of work from a filmmaker who has a distinctive voice and concerns.” The film is now available on VOD and opens in limited release on November 15th.
I watched this a couple of days ago… It was a good movie and especially the performances were impressive. Watch it, if you like character-centered dramas, coping with roughness of everyday life.