West of Sunshine

West of Sunshine

Year: 2019

Runtime: 78 min

Language: English

Director: Jason Raftopoulos

DramaCrime

A desperate man's 24 hours of redemption unfold when he's forced to care for his young child amidst crippling debt and loan shark threats. As his plans unravel, Jim's bond with his son is put to the ultimate test, forcing him to choose between a life of regret and a second chance at redemption.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – West of Sunshine (2019)
Explore the full timeline and setting of West of Sunshine (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie unfolds over a single day, encapsulating the urgent struggles of its protagonist, Jimmy. This timeframe enhances the tension as he grapples with both personal and external pressures, making every moment feel critical.

Location

Melbourne, Ballarat

The movie takes place in Melbourne and Ballarat, two vibrant locations in Australia. Melbourne is known for its cultural diversity and rich history, while Ballarat is famous for its horse racing events, which provide a backdrop for the story's central conflict and excitement.

🏙️ City 🏇 Horse Racing

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:52

Main Characters – West of Sunshine (2019)
Meet the key characters of West of Sunshine (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jimmy

Jimmy is a troubled courier with a massive debt looming over him. His scruffy appearance and tattoos reflect a life of struggle, and he oscillates between desperation and hope as he tries to connect with his son while managing overwhelming responsibilities.

🚚 Courier 💸 Debt 👨‍👦 Father

Banos

Banos is the menacing owner of the car repair shop and the source of Jimmy's immense pressure. His intimidating presence embodies the danger that comes with Jimmy's debt, and his unexpected change of heart reveals layers to his character, juxtaposing menace with humanity.

🦹‍♂️ Antagonist 💰 Debt Collector

Steve

Steve, Jimmy's friend and fellow courier, adds complexity to the narrative with his own struggles. He is loyal but also grappling with financial issues, reflecting the interconnectedness of their lives and the shared burden of responsibility they each face.

🤝 Friendship 🔄 Loyalty

Alex

Alex is Jimmy's pre-teen son whose rebellious nature highlights the strained father-son relationship. Throughout the day, his perspective on Jimmy shifts, culminating in a pivotal moment that brings them closer together, illustrating the impact of shared experiences.

👦 Son 🎒 Rebellion

Karen

Karen, Jimmy's ex-wife, represents the weight of past decisions and personal accountability. Her persistent reminders of responsibility weigh heavily on Jimmy, accentuating his struggles and creating a tension that permeates their interactions.

💔 Ex-Wife 📞 Responsibility

Mel

Mel is an old friend of Steve who runs a bakery, introducing a lighter tone amidst the seriousness of the plot. Her resourcefulness offers a glimpse of hope and creativity in tough times, showing how friendships can foster resilience.

🍰 Bakery 🤗 Friendship

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:52

Major Themes – West of Sunshine (2019)
Explore the central themes of West of Sunshine (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Family Struggles

Family dynamics are central to the film, particularly the strained relationship between Jimmy and his son, Alex. Their interactions reveal the challenges of parenting under duress, as they navigate issues of respect, authority, and reconnection amidst chaos.

🎲 Risk and Desperation

The theme of risk permeates the narrative, particularly through Jimmy's gambling and the choices he makes to remedy his financial woes. Each bet he places reflects his desperation, showing how far individuals might go when cornered by their circumstances.

🚗 Redemption

The journey with the Ford Fairlane symbolizes Jimmy's quest for redemption. As he grapples with his past and seeks to make amends, the car becomes a crucial element in his relationship with Alex, representing both his heritage and the weight of his responsibilities.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:52

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