Is Midnight Sun Based on a True Story? Plot and Ending Explained
by Alaguvelan M
Updated May 04, 2023
Midnight Sun
Released in 2018, Midnight Sun is a romantic drama film from the United States, based on the 2006 Japanese film A Song to the Sun. The movie was directed by Scott Speer and written by Eric Kirsten. It features Bella Thorne, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Rob Riggle in the lead roles. The plot follows a teenage girl who suffers from xeroderma pigmentosum, a genetic condition that makes her sensitive to sunlight. When she falls in love with a boy, she struggles with the decision to reveal her condition or keep it a secret to live a normal life.
The film's principal photography started on October 12, 2015, in Vancouver, and it was released in the United States on March 23, 2018. In 2015, it was announced that Scott Speer would direct a romantic drama film called Midnight Sun, with a script written by Eric Kirsten.
The film would star Patrick Schwarzenegger as Charlie and Bella Thorne as Katie and was based on a 2006 Japanese film of the same name. The film was financed by Boies / Schiller Film Group and produced by John Rickard and Zack Schiller. Rob Riggle also joined the cast to play Katie's father, Jack. Principal photography for the film began on October 12, 2015, in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The soundtrack album for the film Midnight Sun is called "Midnight Sun (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" and was released on March 16, 2018, by Lakeshore Records. In October 2016, Open Road Films obtained the distribution rights for the film, which was originally planned for release on July 14, 2017, but was later rescheduled for March 23, 2018.
According to Box Office Mojo, Midnight Sun had a worldwide gross of $27.4 million, with $9.6 million coming from the United States and Canada, and $17.8 million from other territories. The movie was released in the US alongside other films such as Pacific Rim Uprising, Sherlock Gnomes, Unsane, and Paul, Apostle of Christ. It was shown in 2,173 theaters and was expected to earn $5 million during its opening weekend. However, it only made $4 million, debuting at the 10th spot at the box office. The following week, it experienced a 54% drop and made $1.8 million.
Is Midnight Sun Based on a True Story?
The movie Midnight Sun' is not based on a true story but is an adaptation of the Japanese film 'Taiyō no Uta', also known as 'A Song to the Sun'. Directed by Scott Speer, the American version closely follows the original 2006 movie, but Speer wanted his adaptation to have an independent point of view. The 2018 film also uses Bella Thorne's musical talent, just like the Japanese version used the lead actress Yui's musical talent.
Although the characters and plot are fictional, the medical condition portrayed in the film 'Midnight Sun' is real. XP has no cure, forcing those with the condition to avoid sunlight to prevent severe sunburns, freckles, and blisters, as well as increasing the risk of skin cancer and neurological symptoms. However, the film's portrayal of XP is not entirely accurate as Katie's symptoms are not typical of those with the condition, and the neurological symptoms do not progress as rapidly as shown in the movie.
The movie Midnight Sun' is not based on a true story, but the condition that Katie has, XP, is real and has been depicted in other films, TV shows, and books. The movie may feel like a true story because star-crossed lovers impacted by a life-threatening illness are a popular trope found in media. The film 'A Walk to Remember' shares many similarities with 'Midnight Sun', such as the female lead keeping her illness a secret and both being exceptional singers. Despite XP being a part of the mainstream conversation for a long time, there is still very little awareness about it.
Midnight Sun Plot
The movie Midnight Sun' tells the story of a young woman named Katie Price, who is suffering from a rare genetic condition called xeroderma pigmentosum. She is unable to be exposed to sunlight due to her extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, which can cause severe sunburns, freckles, and blisters, and increase the risk of skin cancer. As a result, she is housebound during the day and only comes out at night.
Despite her condition, Katie is a talented singer, cared for by her widowed father Jack, and best friend Morgan. One night, Katie's long-time crush, Charlie, notices her playing guitar at a train station and is immediately drawn to her. They strike up a conversation, and Charlie gives Katie her notebook back after she forgets it. They begin to spend more time together, with Charlie taking her on a date to Seattle, where they play music on the streets and go swimming in the lake. However, Katie has not told Charlie about her condition, and when she is exposed to sunlight for a few seconds, she starts to experience neurological symptoms that indicate her condition is worsening.
Katie struggles to come to terms with her illness, but eventually, with the help of her father and best friend, decides to tell Charlie the truth. Despite her fears, he accepts her for who she is and continues to support her. They share many more happy moments together, including a surprise recording session where Katie sings a song she wrote for Charlie.
In the end, Katie convinces her father to let her go sailing with Charlie during the day, knowing that it will likely be the last time they will ever be together. She dies shortly afterward, leaving Charlie with her notebook, which contains a heartfelt message telling him to watch for new things and always remember that she loves him.
The story of 'Midnight Sun' is not based on a true story, but it touches on the very real struggles that people with xeroderma pigmentosum face every day. The film also draws on popular romantic tropes seen in other books, movies, and TV shows, such as the star-crossed lovers and the life-threatening illness. Despite some inaccuracies in how the condition is portrayed, 'Midnight Sun' brings much-needed attention to a rare disease that still lacks awareness in many circles.
Midnight Sun Summary Essay
Midnight Sun is a 2018 American romantic drama film based on the 2006 Japanese film A Song to the Sun. The story follows a young woman named Katie Price who has a rare genetic condition called xeroderma pigmentosum, which makes her extremely sensitive to sunlight. Katie has spent most of her life indoors, isolated from the world and dreaming of a normal life outside.
When she meets Charlie, a boy from her school who also dreams of adventure, Katie's world opens up. But she struggles to balance her desire for a normal life with the reality of her condition, which could have deadly consequences if she's not careful. As their relationship deepens, Katie must decide whether to reveal her condition to Charlie, risking rejection and disappointment, or keep it a secret and risk her own health.
The film is a poignant and touching exploration of love, friendship, and the challenges faced by people with rare medical conditions. It sensitively portrays the realities of xeroderma pigmentosum and the impact it can have on a person's life, while also highlighting the resilience and strength of those who live with the condition.
Bella Thorne delivers a standout performance as Katie, conveying both her vulnerability and her determination to live life to the fullest. Patrick Schwarzenegger is equally impressive as Charlie, bringing both charm and depth to the role. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, making their love story all the more heartwarming and bittersweet.
Midnight Sun is a moving and memorable film that will resonate with anyone who has ever longed for something they cannot have. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is still hope, love, and beauty to be found in the world.
Midnight Sun Ending Explained
The ending of Midnight Sun is both heartwarming and tragic. After spending a beautiful day with Charlie, Katie finally experiences the sunlight she's been longing for her whole life. However, her joy is short-lived, as she becomes very ill soon after and collapses. It is revealed that her condition has progressed to a dangerous stage, and she is rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
In the final scene, Charlie visits Katie in the hospital, where she reveals that she doesn't have much time left. They share a touching moment together, and Katie tells Charlie that she is grateful for the time they had together and for showing her what it's like to be truly happy. The film ends with Charlie walking out into the sunlight as if carrying a piece of Katie with him.
The ending of Midnight Sun is bittersweet, as it is clear that Katie's condition is terminal and that she will not survive. However, it is also a celebration of the time she had with Charlie and the experiences she was able to enjoy before she became too sick. The scene where Katie finally experiences the sunlight is particularly moving, as it represents a moment of pure joy and freedom for her, even though it comes at such a high cost.
The ending of Midnight Sun is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. It is a fitting conclusion to a film that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Is Midnight Sun based on a true story - FAQs
Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare genetic condition that makes those with the condition extremely sensitive to sunlight. In Midnight Sun, the main character Katie has this condition, which has kept her indoors for most of her life.
The film follows Katie, who desires a normal life despite her condition. She dreams of going outside and experiencing the world like other people, and she finds ways to do so with the help of her friend Charlie. Through their adventures, she learns to live life to the fullest despite the challenges she faces.
The title refers to a beautiful but fleeting moment in the film where Katie is able to experience the sun at midnight, a moment of pure joy and freedom. It represents her longing for a normal life and her willingness to take risks to experience the world around her.
The film is largely set in the Pacific Northwest, where the changing weather and lush scenery provide a beautiful backdrop for Katie and Charlie's adventures. The natural world is a significant factor in the story, representing both the beauty and the danger of the world around them.
The film ends with Katie revealing that her condition has worsened to a dangerous stage. She and Charlie share a moment together before he walks out into the sunlight, carrying a piece of her with him