Joe Swanberg’s “The Sun Never Sets” Marks a Mature Return to SXSW

AUSTIN, Texas — Filmmaker Joe Swanberg’s 10th independent film to premiere at South by Southwest (SXSW), “The Sun Never Sets,” represents his first return to the festival since 2017. The film signals a shift in pace and a newfound maturity for the director, known for pioneering the “mumblecore” style of filmmaking.

A Personal and Artistic Evolution

Swanberg introduced “The Sun Never Sets” at its world premiere on Friday night at the Zach Theater, calling it his “favorite film I’ve ever made.” The film, shot on 35mm in Anchorage, Alaska, centers on Wendy, a woman in her thirties portrayed by Dakota Fanning, as she navigates a complex romantic decision between a former lover (Cory Michael Smith) and a settled-in partner (Jake Johnson).

Reflecting on his career, Swanberg noted, “You get better at it and you sort of mature and all of this.” This sentiment underscores a significant evolution from the rapid-fire, improvisational style that defined his early function.

Collaboration and Creative Process

“The Sun Never Sets” marks Swanberg’s fourth collaboration with actor Jake Johnson, a partnership that began with 2013’s “Drinking Buddies.” Johnson similarly partially financed the new project alongside his brother. Swanberg’s approach to filmmaking involves a detailed outline, allowing actors to shape dialogue during rehearsals. Dakota Fanning described the process as collaborative and trusting, noting Swanberg’s willingness to adjust scenes to ensure comfort, and authenticity.

Swanberg’s style draws both an ease and an intensity from Fanning, who captures a woman at a pivotal moment of figuring out what she wants amid the emotional whirlwind she is going through.

A Pause and Re-emergence

Following the completion of the third season of the Netflix anthology series “Easy” in 2019, Swanberg initially planned a break from directing. A divorce and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic extended this pause. During this time, he produced films for other filmmakers, acted, and opened a video store in Chicago.

The opportunity to shoot in Anchorage arose through a connection with producer Ashleigh Snead, offering Swanberg a chance to expand his visual style beyond the familiar settings of his previous work.

Reflections on a Career

Swanberg acknowledges a shift in his career trajectory, moving from provocative, low-budget films to exploring the complexities of mid-life relationships. He views the success of his peers, such as Greta Gerwig, as opening doors for broader creative possibilities.

He also addressed past criticisms regarding the portrayal of sexual dynamics in his earlier work, emphasizing a change in the cultural landscape and his own evolving approach to filmmaking. Swanberg himself appears in a small role in “The Sun Never Sets,” and the characters’ children are named after his own.

“It’d be really cool in my 40s to make movies about characters in their 40s,” he says, “and in my 50s, 60s and 70s. It’s really exciting to have movies about characters at this phase of their life.”