Sometimes, the brightest love stories unfold in the darkest places. Midnight Sun is one such romantic drama that takes a heartbreaking premise and turns it into a tender exploration of young love. Starring Bella Thorne and Patrick Schwarzenegger, this movie is set in a small coastal town in present-day America and revolves around the life of a girl with a rare condition. The film fits neatly into the young adult romance genre, with its blend of emotional highs, inevitable heartbreak, and the universal theme of first love.
The story follows Katie Price (played by Bella), a teenage girl suffering from a rare genetic condition called Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), which makes even the smallest exposure to sunlight life-threatening. Living in almost complete isolation, her world consists of her house, her father, and nighttime excursions to the local train station, where she plays the guitar for passersby. Her life takes a turn when she meets Charlie (played by Patrick), a boy she’s admired from afar for years. The two form a bond, but Katie’s condition makes it impossible for her to live a normal life or be entirely honest with Charlie. The story follows their relationship as it grows, all while Katie tries to hide her reality from the boy she loves.
One of the strongest aspects of the film is Bella’s performance. She brings a sense of vulnerability to Katie’s character, making her isolation feel palpable and her joys deeply moving. Bella balances Katie’s quiet strength with moments of raw emotion, particularly in scenes where her character struggles with the weight of her illness. Patrick, as Charlie, gives a more understated performance, portraying the quintessential high school jock who’s trying to figure out his own life, but his chemistry with Bella feels genuine, making their romance believable. Though his character isn’t as fully developed as Katie’s, Patrick manages to hold his own in key emotional moments, particularly in the film’s climactic scenes.
The direction by Scott Speer deserves praise for its delicate handling of the movie’s central theme: living life in the shadow of a ticking clock. The film could have easily become overly sentimental or melodramatic, but Speer keeps the tone relatively grounded, allowing the emotions to flow naturally without forcing them. The pacing is slow but purposeful, giving space for the relationship between Katie and Charlie to grow organically. Some of the most touching moments come in the quiet exchanges between them, where their connection feels real and unforced. The nighttime scenes, which are the bulk of the film, are shot beautifully, capturing the peaceful solitude of Katie’s world, while also emphasizing her isolation from the normalcy of daylight.
Cinematography by Karim Hussain adds another layer of poignancy to the film. The contrast between the vibrant sunlit world that Katie can never experience and the serene, moonlit nights where she feels free is visually striking. The use of soft lighting during the nighttime scenes creates a dreamlike atmosphere that suits the film’s romantic tone. One standout scene is Katie’s moonlit boat ride with Charlie, where the combination of natural light and water creates a magical ambiance, perfectly encapsulating the fleeting beauty of their relationship.
The musical score by Nathaniel Walcott enhances the emotional depth of the movie. Music plays a significant role in Katie’s life, and Bella’s own vocals are used in several scenes, lending an extra layer of authenticity to the character’s passion for songwriting. The soundtrack is a mix of soft indie tracks and original songs, which complement the film’s tender moments and help convey the internal emotions of the characters. One of the most memorable musical sequences is when Katie plays her guitar by the train station—a recurring scene that symbolizes her yearning for connection with the world. The music never overpowers the scenes but instead serves as a gentle companion to the unfolding drama.
Costume design is simple and reflective of the characters’ personalities. Katie’s wardrobe consists mostly of casual, comfortable clothing, which emphasizes her down-to-earth nature and her need for practical attire in her sheltered lifestyle. In contrast, Charlie’s more athletic look aligns with his character’s background as a popular high school swimmer. The costumes don’t play a major role in the storytelling, but they help establish the everyday realism of the characters’ lives, making their love story feel more grounded.
In terms of editing, Tia Nolan does a commendable job of balancing the film’s dual tone—romantic and tragic. The film flows smoothly from lighthearted moments of teenage romance to the more serious, introspective scenes where Katie confronts her illness. The transitions between these emotional beats feel natural, allowing the viewer to remain engaged without being jolted by sudden shifts in tone. However, the movie does suffer slightly from predictable plot points, particularly in the second half where the story becomes more formulaic. The emotional beats are well-executed but fall into a familiar rhythm, which may feel repetitive to those well-versed in this genre.
What sets this film apart from other young adult romances is its exploration of living with a rare condition like XP. While the love story is front and center, Katie’s struggle with her illness is never downplayed. The film sensitively portrays the limitations imposed by her condition, while also emphasizing her determination to live her life as fully as possible. It raises important questions about love, sacrifice, and the meaning of life when time is not on your side.
Overall, Midnight Sun is a touching, if somewhat predictable, romantic drama that succeeds in evoking emotion without being too heavy-handed. Bella’s performance anchors the film, and the chemistry between the leads keeps you invested in their journey. The film is visually stunning, with its use of light and shadow mirroring the emotional highs and lows of the story. Though it doesn’t break new ground in terms of narrative, it does what it sets out to do: deliver a heartfelt story about love, loss, and living in the moment.
For those who enjoy bittersweet romances with strong emotional cores, this film is worth a watch. It might not surprise you with its plot twists, but it will leave you with a sense of quiet reflection and appreciation for the fragility of life.
