Sunday 3 May 2020

Never Rarely Sometimes Always by Eliza Hittman




“Don't let the sun catch you cryin' 
The night's the time for all your tears 
Your heart may be broken tonight 
But tomorrow in the morning light 
Don't let the sun catch you cryin” 


Midway through Eliza Hittman’s quietly devastating new film about a 17 year old girl journeying to New York to get an abortion, the film’s reserved lead character, Autumn (Sidney Flanigan), chooses “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” by Gerry and the Pacemaker’s as her karaoke song. The camera holds on her as she seemingly sings it to herself. Autumn’s choice and the lyrics act as the film’s thematic anthem and as a gateway into Autumn’s guarded emotions.