Dakota Fanning stars as Wendy and Jake Johnson stars as Jack in The Sun Never Sets (2026). The film is a 102-minute relationship drama about a couple who take a break over marriage and children. Joe Swanberg wrote and directed the feature.
Wikipedia places its world premiere at SXSW on March 13, 2026, followed by limited U.S. theaters Aug. 28 and wide release Sept. 4.
Table of Contents
- What do Wendy and Jack want?
- How does Chuck change the break?
- Who else is in the cast?
- Where can you see it?
What do Wendy and Jack want?
Wendy is the younger partner in a steady relationship. Her boyfriend asks for time apart to reconsider marriage and children. The Music Box Theatre listing presents her response as the emotional anchor. Jack is Wendy's older boyfriend.
He is divorced with children and initiates the trial separation. The same Music Box Theatre account positions him as the partner seeking clarity. Their situations give the break different weight. Wendy faces a choice about future children. Jack revisits marriage after divorce and parenting.
- Wendy — younger partner weighing commitment after the break request.
- Jack — older, divorced father who asks for space.
How does Chuck change the break?
Cory Michael Smith co-stars as Chuck. Chuck is Wendy's ex-boyfriend. The University of Wisconsin Cinematheque event page says his return during the break creates a volatile love triangle.
His arrival tests the pause. Wendy must compare a past tie with her current bond. Jack must decide what the separation revealed about commitment.
Who else is in the cast?
Den of Geek reported Debby Ryan, Anna Konkle, Lamorne Morris and Karley Sciortino as world-premiere cast for SXSW 2026, in its SXSW lineup report. They round out the ensemble around the central three.
Joe Swanberg also produced the film. Film Independent lists fellow producers as Fanning, Johnson, Cory Michael Smith and Ashleigh Snead.
Where can you see it?
The premiere led to a late-summer theatrical rollout. Limited U.S. theaters began Aug.
28, 2026, with wide release Sept. 4. For tickets, check Independent Film Company theater listings and local arthouse pages. The Film Independent screening page also points viewers to current screening options.