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Speak Sunlight

Play trailer 1:52 Poster for Speak Sunlight 2023 1h 34m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 6 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
After 30 years in exile, a couple return to their homeland. Manolo and Maruja work as butler and cook/nanny at the Jolis diplomatic residence in Paris. Alanito, 15, considers the kitchen his spiritual home, where he can laugh, misbehave, get a shot of port or a puff of a Gauloise from Maruja. She adores and spoils him while his parents entertain scores of guests, paying him little attention. Maruja receives life-altering news that leads to a return to Spain after 30 years. In the blink of an eye, they are on a train to Pamplona. It's the time of De Gaulle, Franco, and the Beatles. Secrets are uncovered, courage summoned, and at the end of the summer everyone is changed.

Critics Reviews

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Pramit Chatterjee Digital Mafia Talkies Dec 22
3/5
Speak Sunlight is a solid coming-of-age drama that balances the naivete and energy of one’s youth with the existential thoughts that cross one’s mind during their twilight years really, really well. Go to Full Review
Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com Dec 21
3.0/4.0
Speak Sunlight doesn't necessarily tell us a story we haven't seen before on the big screen, though its inspiration in real life feels authentic and themes of coming-of-age, legacy, life, and regrets will all resonate universally. Go to Full Review
Emilie Black Cinema Crazed 12/17/2024
Carmen Machi as Maruja and the cinematography shine here, making the film their own and making a watch that is oddly fascinating and mesmerizing. Go to Full Review
Federico Furzan Movie-Blogger.com 12/10/2024
3/5
Speak Sunlight is a very compelling drama that tells a universal story, all in the hands of veteran Carmen Machi. Go to Full Review
Dallas King Flick Feast 12/01/2024
3/5
The warmth between the lead characters is reflected in the cinematography by José Luis Alcaine... Whilst this makes for a charming cinematic tale, the summer haze results in certain aspects losing some of their impact. Go to Full Review
Alex Saveliev Film Threat 11/19/2024
8/10
Speak Sunlight is about family, love, one’s connection to home, overcoming obstacles… But at its heart, it’s a coming-of-age story, one that many viewers will find supremely relatable. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Caron D Dec 31 Speak Sunlight is one of the best movies I’ve seen in ages. The heartfelt screenplay, outstanding acting, beautiful cinematography, and excellent directing, make this coming-of-age story stand out among the rest. With Franco’s Spain as the backdrop, we learn that in facing our mortality we identify what is most important to us - and we are taken on this journey throughout the movie. The audience laughed together and shed tears together. This movie is a must see. I can’t wait to see it again! See more Steven Z Dec 30 Speak Sunlight tells a story that stays with you long after the show ends. Parts are heartening and parts are heartbreaking, and it all fits with perfection. While the story is the heart of the film, the scenary is beautiful and ads to the factors that create the memorability of Speak Sunlight. It has to be seen and experienced. See more Dec 29 Speak Sunlight is a film that lingers long after the credits roll. Director Carol Polakoff delicately explores themes of nostalgia, love, regret, forgiveness, and the power of family. It is the story of a woman grappling with the weight of her past and the fragility of time. The stunning cinematography is bathed in warm sunlight of Spain and captures the poetic beauty of the landscape. Speak Sunlight shines like a gem and is a must-see. See more Bruno V 12/17/2024 From the beginning to the end, Speak Sunlight brings joy to the movie screen. Both lead actors have amazing performances and navigate from drama to laughter in seconds. The beautiful photography from different parts of Spain are also a must see. Nevertheless the choice of a new actor for the roll of the young kid shows sensitivity Carol Polakoff has for her characters. It's a great adventure that it will warm your heart and soul. See more David F 12/14/2024 A heartwarming film that affirms our common humanity. You will not be disappointed! See more Nicholas S 12/10/2024 This film has the touch of a filmmaker who knows how to create catharsis in the audience. It reminded me of the mastery of Ang Lee in Brokeback Mountain and Aronofsky in The Whale. I watched the film enjoying it, and all of a sudden at the end I’m sobbing uncontrollably and left with that magical haunted feeling only certain films and filmmakers are able to achieve. I saw this film in a full theater and witnessed everyone around me also sobbing. This is a sweet charming film, but its overall effect is impressive and powerful. Bravo! See more Read all reviews
Speak Sunlight

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Movie Info

Synopsis After 30 years in exile, a couple return to their homeland. Manolo and Maruja work as butler and cook/nanny at the Jolis diplomatic residence in Paris. Alanito, 15, considers the kitchen his spiritual home, where he can laugh, misbehave, get a shot of port or a puff of a Gauloise from Maruja. She adores and spoils him while his parents entertain scores of guests, paying him little attention. Maruja receives life-altering news that leads to a return to Spain after 30 years. In the blink of an eye, they are on a train to Pamplona. It's the time of De Gaulle, Franco, and the Beatles. Secrets are uncovered, courage summoned, and at the end of the summer everyone is changed.
Director
Carol Polakoff
Producer
Carol Polakoff
Screenwriter
Natxo López, Carol Polakoff, John Milarky
Production Co
Babieka Films, Viewfinder Pictures
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
European Spanish
Runtime
1h 34m