Sunshine State

REVIEW
Writer-director Sayles, with his usual command of character, language and ensemble, casts a decisive eye on the state of affairs both social and political on a diverse group of Floridians affected by a real estate takeover in a fractured coastal community. Heading a terrific cast are Bassett and Falco, each superlative in delineating a fragile character whose vulnerability is offset by sheer tenacity. Bassett is Desiree, who has returned home for the first time in nearly 20 years to mend fences with her mother (an outstanding Alice); Falco is Marly, who is about to tear down a fence, in this case the family restaurant that she has single-handedly run since her father (a very touching Waite) went blind. The interconnecting lives who cross both women's paths are the fabric that shape a compassionate, intelligent tapestry of greed, unfulfilled dreams, betrayal, romance, family, racial identity and reconciliation. Sayles' pacing isn't quite as efficient as his masterpiece Lone Star, and the film does meander when it should snap, but Sunshine State is overflowing with fascinating characters, smart writing, and a social conscience that is sorely missing in contemporary American cinema. Of the large cast, Steenburgen registers as a festival organizer, and Cobbs is excellent as an elderly doctor determined to stand up against the erosion of a cultural history.