Movie review
February 2, 2024 · 109 min · R
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
Suncoast is a 2024 coming-of-age drama about a teenage girl named Doris who cares for her dying brother in a Florida hospice alongside her outspoken single mother. She forms an unlikely friendship with an eccentric activist protesting a major 2005 medical case at the same facility. The story blends humor, grief, and family tension while using the real historical protests mainly as background for personal experiences of growing up and loss.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Suncoast.
Woke representation / casting
Lead role played by mixed-race actress Nico Parker as biracial teen Doris whose father was Black; director specifically wanted a biracial character for visualization and casting. Family backstory supports it but the film does not make race or identity a focus or source of drama.
Woke political dialogue
Characters discuss the Terri Schiavo case and end-of-life choices in school and personal talks; these moments stay grounded in individual feelings and relationships rather than activist arguments or current political points.
Identity-driven story themes
Core narrative follows grief, mother-daughter friction, teenage friendships and crushes, and personal growth; the activist element adds contrast but stays tied to character connection instead of identity politics.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Portrays how national media and protesters disrupt a quiet family hospice stay during the Schiavo events; shows differing views on death but presents the activist as a caring person and keeps the lens on private family experience.
Production
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant. This is an original semi-autobiographical story without changes to existing characters, source material, or historical figures for ideological reasons.
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
No meaningful public complaints from anti-woke or conservative viewers accusing the movie of pushing woke ideas, DEI, or left-wing messaging. Coverage and reactions stayed neutral or positive on its personal approach.
Creator track record context
Main creative force Laura Chinn builds work around personal experiences and family stories with no strong pattern of social justice or identity activism. Producers have credits in grounded indie films without evident political or representation-first focus.
