The Sun is Also a Star is a book to movie adaptation that could have been so much more. The novel is an incredible love story that focuses on destiny. However. the screenplay just seems to have strayed so far from the book that it is incredibly boring to watch. With an incredible cast and fantastic cinematography, this is a disappointing film.
Author: Nicola Yoon
Also by this author: Everything, Everything
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Cast: Yara Shahidi, Jake Choi
Director: Ry Russo-Young
Screenplay: Tracy Oliver
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: November 1, 2016
Rating:
Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.
Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.
The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?
The Sun is Also a Star: Book vs. Movie
Nicola Yoon’s 2016 contemporary, The Sun is Also a Star is a book that explores fate from the perspectives of Natasha, Daniel, and the Universe. The serious aspect of Natasha’s looming deportation is offset by her one day chance meeting with Daniel. Also, there is an element of humour in the novel that adds to its appeal. When I re-read this book recently, I chose to listen to the audio version and I highly recommend it, as it is well narrated.
❀ Film is a Let Down Compared to The Book
The film adaptation is quite a let down, as there is no real movement in the plot. This is so surprising because the book seems as though it is perfectly set up for the screen. Natasha and Daniel spend a day in New York learning about one another’s cultures and explore the city, while the universe brings them closer together. It is a whirlwind of a book that reminds me of the Ethan Hawke film, Before Sunrise. Simply put, there is no wow factor in this book to movie adaptation. It is super boring and the romance in the book does not translate to the screen at all.
❀ Superb Casting
The fact that this movie falls flat is surprising because the acting is actually quite good and the casting is superb. Both Yara Shahidi and Jake Choi are perfect for the roles of Natasha and Daniel. As the movie version has left out the role of the Universe, a good chunk of the film focuses on cinematography. If you love New York city, there is no shortage of landmarks and artsy shots of the city.
❀ Wait for its Netflix Release
While many books turned into films can be a bit of a let down, The Sun is Also a Star is a book that could have made a fantastic film. Unfortunately, even with a perfect story and cast, the screenplay does not do the novel justice. Skip this one at the box office and wait for its release on Netflix if you are curious about it.
About Nicola Yoon
Nicola Yoon grew up in Jamaica (the island) and Brooklyn (part of Long Island). She currently resides in Los Angeles, CA with her husband and daughter, both of whom she loves beyond all reason. Everything, Everything is her first novel.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.