Joe Swanberg is back behind the camera for the first time in seven years, and he's brought some seriously impressive talent along for the ride. The Sun Never Sets marks the filmmaker's return with a story that's equal parts romantic, messy, and laugh-out-loud funny. And we've got an exclusive first look at the chaos unfolding between its leads.
The film centers on Wendy (Dakota Fanning), a young woman who thinks she has it all figured out—until her older boyfriend, Jack (Jake Johnson), a divorced dad, suggests they take a break so she can be sure she's ready to give up on marriage and kids. During that time, Wendy runs into her ex, Chuck (Cory Michael Smith), who brings back her spontaneous, carefree side—and suddenly seems ready to start a family. What follows is a tangled, unpredictable love triangle that proves pursuing love is never straightforward.
Our exclusive clip captures a pivotal moment where Wendy confronts Jack. Fanning breaks into laughter mid-scene, and while it wasn't in the script, the moment was so genuine that Swanberg kept it in the final cut. It's a small glimpse into the natural, improvisational energy that defines the film.
Swanberg, known for his quirky, grounded storytelling—like his 2013 collaboration with Johnson on Drinking Buddies—has crafted what he calls an evolution of his style. Shot on 35mm in the stunning Alaskan wilderness, The Sun Never Sets is his most tightly constructed and accessible work yet. The film blends his signature nuanced relationship exploration with a more mainstream appeal, thanks in part to the chemistry between Fanning, Johnson, and Smith.
Johnson, who became a household name as Nick Miller on New Girl, continues to stretch his dramatic muscles here. He's often the comedic relief, but in this film, he takes on the role of the more mature, put-together partner—a refreshing change for fans who've watched him evolve in projects like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed. Seeing him navigate the complexities of an age-gap relationship adds a new layer to his already impressive range.
For those eager to catch The Sun Never Sets, mark your calendars: the film hits theaters on September 4, with early screenings in Chicago on August 28. Until then, our exclusive sneak peek offers a taste of the heartfelt, hilarious, and beautifully messy journey Swanberg has crafted.
