Directed by Sophie Power, an experimental hybrid documentary which meditates on the tenderness of young women’s journeys into adulthood. The narrative is drawn from four anonymous confessions to the question: What was the pivotal moment you were forced to grow up?
Right away Sophie Power injects Whatever A Sun Will Always Sing with a strong presence, the mix of its sharp, rich aesthetic with the subtle emotional tones connects you with the short before it even really begins. Having that excellent foundation makes it quickly compelling but instead of then delving into a harshness, it keeps a lightness to it. These stories have weight to them but Power holds onto hope. The style with all of its contemplativeness and gentleness never gets lost among the weeds when it comes to life’s difficult, sorrowful or tense moments.
The visual is nicely clean and still which again lends itself to the thoughtful nature of Whatever A Sun Will Always Sing. It has a poetic edge to its delivery, something that particularly feeds upon the idea of a loss of naivety, which the film does well to explore. There’s a lovely sincere note throughout, although it can feel a touch softer than it needs to as it reaches its later scenes. However, that in itself feels like a conscious choice on the part of Power, to explore these stories on a spectrum. Reflecting that it’s not always the negative moments that spark the beginnings of growing up.
With Whatever A Sun Will Always Singusing that hybrid style, using actors to deliver these heartfelt stories, a lot of its sincerity rests on their shoulders, and they do a great job. Each of them hits those wonderful, tender notes which creates a lovely flow to the short. The transitions between each one feel natural, they’re woven together well. They’re then topped with a subtle score to round out that emotionally driven yet serene atmosphere.
Whatever A Sun Will Always Sing is a heartfelt, thoughtful exploration of arriving into womanhood. The cinematography from Evan Burris Trout is really strong, the aesthetic is sharp and satisfying to watch unfold, especially with Sophie Power’s great choices with framing, and the editing work. It has a good emotionally charged feel, and embodies that feel of reflection.
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