Some Of Us Watch The Sunset, Too: A Review

In a world saturated with rom-coms that often recycle tired tropes, Maya Sharma's latest directorial venture, Some Of Us Watch The Sunset, Too, promises a fresh perspective on the age-old tale of love and class differences. Released on May 31st, 2025, this film delves into the complexities of a budding romance between Gina, a bright and ambitious woman, and Matt, a charming but undeniably privileged individual. But does it truly offer a unique take, or does it succumb to the familiar pitfalls of its genre? Let's dive in.

Plot Analysis: A Modern Cinderella Story with a Twist

The film opens with a montage of Gina (played with captivating vulnerability by Anya Sharma, no relation to the director), navigating the bustling streets of New York City, juggling multiple jobs and pursuing her passion for writing. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Matt (portrayed with effortless charm by Liam Hemsworth Jr., proving the legacy lives on), at a local bookstore. Their initial encounters are electric, filled with witty banter and a palpable connection. They discover shared interests, attended the same university (albeit at different times and with vastly different experiences), and quickly fall for each other.

However, the narrative takes a sharp turn when Gina is introduced to Matt's inner circle. She discovers that his "modest" apartment is actually a sprawling penthouse overlooking Central Park, his "side hustle" is managing his family's vast investment portfolio, and his friends are all heirs and heiresses to unimaginable fortunes. The film cleverly uses this reveal to highlight the stark contrast between Gina's working-class background and Matt's gilded existence. The initial bliss of their romance is replaced by a growing sense of unease and self-doubt as Gina struggles to reconcile her own values with Matt's world.

The plot thickens as Gina grapples with the challenges of navigating Matt's social circles, dealing with the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) condescension from his friends, and questioning whether their relationship can truly withstand the pressures of their different backgrounds. Matt, oblivious to the depth of Gina's internal struggles, attempts to bridge the gap by showering her with extravagant gifts and experiences, further exacerbating her discomfort.

The climax of the film revolves around a lavish charity gala hosted by Matt's family. Gina, feeling increasingly out of place and overwhelmed, confronts Matt about the growing chasm between them. Their emotional exchange forces both of them to confront their own biases and assumptions about love, class, and societal expectations. The ending, while somewhat predictable, offers a satisfying resolution that emphasizes the importance of communication, empathy, and genuine connection over superficial differences.

Character Development: Nuance and Authenticity

One of the film's strongest assets is its well-developed and relatable characters. Anya Sharma delivers a standout performance as Gina, capturing her intelligence, ambition, and vulnerability with remarkable authenticity. Gina is not portrayed as a stereotypical damsel in distress; she is a strong, independent woman who is fiercely proud of her accomplishments and determined to make her own way in the world. Her internal conflict – torn between her feelings for Matt and her discomfort with his wealth – is portrayed with nuance and complexity, making her a character that audiences can genuinely root for.

Liam Hemsworth Jr. also shines as Matt, avoiding the trap of portraying him as a clueless and entitled rich kid. He imbues Matt with a genuine warmth and sincerity, making it clear that he is genuinely in love with Gina and wants to make their relationship work. However, he is also shown to be somewhat naive and oblivious to the privileges he enjoys, which creates a believable and relatable flaw. His character arc involves a gradual awakening to the realities of Gina's world and a willingness to confront his own biases.

The supporting characters, while not as deeply developed as Gina and Matt, also contribute to the film's overall authenticity. Matt's friends are portrayed as a mixed bag of personalities, some genuinely welcoming and accepting of Gina, while others are subtly condescending and dismissive. Gina's friends, on the other hand, provide her with unwavering support and a grounded perspective, reminding her of her own values and worth. The film avoids painting all rich people as villains and all working-class people as saints, instead opting for a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of human nature.

Direction and Cinematography: A Visual Feast

Maya Sharma's direction is confident and assured, demonstrating a clear understanding of the film's themes and characters. She skillfully balances the romantic elements of the story with the more serious social commentary, creating a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Her use of visual storytelling is particularly effective, using subtle cues and imagery to convey the characters' emotions and the power dynamics at play.

The cinematography, helmed by the talented veteran, David Fincher (no relation, of course), is stunning, capturing the beauty and vibrancy of New York City with a keen eye for detail. The film makes excellent use of natural light and shadow to create a visually appealing and emotionally resonant atmosphere. The opulent settings of Matt's world are contrasted with the more gritty and realistic environments of Gina's life, further emphasizing the stark differences between their backgrounds. The use of color is also noteworthy, with warmer tones used to depict the initial stages of their romance and cooler tones used to reflect the growing tension and conflict.

Themes and Messages: Beyond the Rom-Com

Some Of Us Watch The Sunset, Too is more than just a typical romantic comedy. It tackles important themes such as class inequality, societal expectations, and the challenges of navigating relationships across different socioeconomic backgrounds. The film raises questions about the nature of privilege, the importance of empathy, and the power of genuine connection to overcome superficial differences.

One of the key messages of the film is that love is not enough to overcome all obstacles. While Gina and Matt may genuinely care for each other, their relationship is tested by the realities of their different worlds. The film suggests that successful relationships require more than just romantic feelings; they also require a willingness to understand and respect each other's backgrounds, values, and experiences.

The film also explores the subtle ways in which class inequality can manifest in everyday interactions. Gina is constantly reminded of her "otherness" in Matt's world, whether it's through the condescending comments of his friends, the awkwardness of navigating lavish social events, or the feeling of being indebted to Matt for his generosity. The film highlights the importance of being aware of these subtle power dynamics and actively working to create a more equitable and inclusive environment.

Comparisons: Standing Out from the Crowd

While Some Of Us Watch The Sunset, Too shares some similarities with other romantic comedies that explore class differences, such as Pretty Woman and Maid in Manhattan, it distinguishes itself through its more nuanced and realistic portrayal of the characters and the issues at hand. Unlike those films, which often rely on simplistic stereotypes and fairytale endings, Sharma's film delves deeper into the complexities of class dynamics and the challenges of building a lasting relationship across different socioeconomic backgrounds.

In terms of Sharma's previous work, this film represents a significant step forward in her directorial style. While her earlier films were primarily lighthearted comedies, Some Of Us Watch The Sunset, Too showcases her ability to tackle more serious and complex themes with sensitivity and intelligence. The film also benefits from stronger performances and a more polished visual aesthetic than her previous works.

Positive Aspects: A Resounding Success

The film's strengths lie in its well-developed characters, nuanced performances, and thought-provoking themes. Anya Sharma delivers a career-defining performance as Gina, and Liam Hemsworth Jr. proves that he is more than just a pretty face. Maya Sharma's direction is confident and assured, and David Fincher's cinematography is visually stunning. The film also tackles important social issues with sensitivity and intelligence, making it a film that is both entertaining and meaningful.

Constructive Criticism: Room for Improvement

While the film is largely successful, there are a few areas where it could have been improved. The pacing, particularly in the middle act, could have been tightened up. There are a few scenes that feel somewhat repetitive and could have been trimmed to maintain momentum. Additionally, the ending, while satisfying, feels somewhat predictable. A more daring or unconventional conclusion could have elevated the film to an even higher level.

Furthermore, while the supporting characters are well-acted, they could have been given more depth and development. Exploring their motivations and backstories in more detail would have added another layer of complexity to the film.

Conclusion: A Sunset Worth Watching

Some Of Us Watch The Sunset, Too is a refreshing and thought-provoking romantic comedy that tackles important social issues with sensitivity and intelligence. With strong performances, assured direction, and stunning cinematography, this film is a resounding success that is sure to resonate with audiences. While it may not be perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a must-see for fans of the genre and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of love and class in the modern world.

Rating: 8.5/10