Parents' Guide to That They May Face the Rising Sun

Based on the final book from Irish author John McGahern, this unassuming but evocative drama is a beautifully shot reflection on the nature of life itself. That They May Face the Rising Sun focuses more on feelings and musings than it does necessarily on story. At the center, Joe and Kate are already six years into their rural lifestyle, where they're not just playing the role of countryside folk, but are fully immersed in village life. It's their kitchen table that sets the scene for the locals to drop by for sustenance—both food and drink, and much-needed connection. It's a simple, quiet life of peace and contentment, where traditions are passed down through generations, but in the background, the youngsters are gradually leaving in search of something different. There's a sense of a place stuck in time in the 1980s, where a moment is perfectly captured, but in constant danger of vanishing with the breeze. Like the book Joe is writing, the film doesn't feel the need to be "about" anything. There's "not much in the way of drama, just the day-to-day stuff," he says. Instead, much focus is on the rolling landscapes, silence, and gentle piano score. It's a rare treat for those with patience, but it may prove a bit too hard for others to pin down.