Would you describe sobbing behind a group of elderly women, in the movie theater, at the age of 13 cute or concerning? The elderly women were, in fact, concerned. Rom-coms sometimes have their intended effect of leaving you fulfilled with a combination of laughter and a happily ever after. While this is true, they can also cause overwhelming feelings that left a young Maddie distraught watching numerous movies in the genre. This was the case when years ago I watched one of my favorite rom-coms, Midnight Sun. 

The movie follows Katie through her journey with xeroderma pigmentosum. This real and rare genetic disease prevents her from being able to be exposed to direct sunlight. During the movie, Katie only goes out at night. One night she runs into her long-term crush Charlie. After leaving her songbook behind they reconnect on a meaningful level. She keeps her condition a secret as the two of them go on nightly adventures, despite her father warning her of the consequences. These consequences unfortunately come to fruition when the couple falls asleep at the beach. They awake to the rising sun. Katie is exposed to the sun for only a couple of seconds. I’ll leave the ending in the air if some of you intend to watch. Can you guess if my tears were from overwhelming relief or devastation?

Ignoring the controversy surrounding the portrayal of the disease, the main aspect I love about this movie is the testament to love after the truth about Katie’s illness is revealed. The movie is based, in a way, on a lie between the main characters and how they overcome this testament. The movie trope where she falls first, but he falls harder is excellently portrayed in this movie. I believe the relatability of having a crush that you think is out of reach is common and it’s inspiring to watch these dreams come to life in this movie. The teenage love story with a twist tells a common tale of secrets in relationships being detrimental. It leaves viewers wondering what would have happened if Katie had been honest from the beginning. 

I still reference this movie frequently because I believe it is severely underrated. It is so unheard of that I do not even have to “gatekeep” it because no one I have talked to has ever watched it. It is more of a niche find, but the way the story moved me continues to stick in my mind. It still lives in the part of me that loves to feel deeper emotions when I watch movies. The rom-com aspect of the film is well complimented by the tragedy that accompanies it.