'Suncoast': A Tale of Adolescence Amidst Terminal Illness

Laura Chinn's semi-autobiographical film explores a teenager's struggle with her brother's impending death and her overbearing mother, set against the backdrop of the Terri Schaivo case.

• Laura Chinn's semi-autobiographical film 'Suncoast' is based on her own adolescence and the death of her brother who was in the same hospice as Terri Schaivo.
• The film is set in 2005 and centers around a teenager named Doris, played by Nico Parker, who is dealing with her brother's terminal illness and her overbearing mother, played by Laura Linney.
• Doris seeks solace in friendships formed at school, offering her home as a party spot to connect with her peers.
• Despite the serious subject matter, the film has moments of comedy and is set against the backdrop of the cultural flashpoint of the Terri Schaivo case.
• The film also features a subplot involving Doris befriending a widower named Paul, played by Woody Harrelson, who is protesting outside the hospice.

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