Rom-com 'The Sun Never Sets' Films in Anchorage

Joe Swanberg directed the new romantic comedy The Sun Never Sets, which premiered in September. The film features Dakota Fanning and Jake Johnson. It presents a modern love story set against the backdrop of Anchorage.

Swanberg is known for the mumblecore genre. His earlier works focused on young adults with few attachments. This new film shifts that focus to the Alaskan setting. The production utilized several local landmarks for its scenes.

Specific locations in the movie include the Kincaid Park disc golf course. The Jewel Lake Kaladi Bros. also appears on screen. The 49th State beer garden is featured in a May scene. These spots provide a familiar context for local viewers.

The plot follows a couple at a relationship impasse. Jake Johnson plays a recently divorced father who wants a domestic life. Dakota Fanning plays a construction worker who prefers the outdoors. The two take a summer break to evaluate their future together.

Fanning’s character dates a series of men during the break. She later reconnects with an ex-boyfriend at the Carousel Lounge in Spenard. This character is played by Cory Michael Smith. Smith portrays a bush pilot who is emotionally available and enjoys the quiet wilderness.

Smith grew up in Ohio and had not visited Alaska before this role. He prepared by visiting a local hangar with young pilots. He described his character as someone comfortable in the outdoors for days. The role allowed him to see the state from the air.

The film also features scenes at the Akela Space gallery and Whiskey and Ramen. Johnson’s character attempts to win Fanning back in these adult settings. The narrative culminates in a trivia battle at Koots, a dive bar in Spenard.

Smith spoke to the Anchorage Press via Zoom from New York City. He noted that the production often gathered in local bars. He stated that the cast enjoyed working in the city. The film offers a different perspective on Alaska than typical survival or wildlife movies.