Sophie and the Rising Sun

Set in a small Southern town just before the United States enters World War II, autumn brings a quiet tension to daily life. Sophie Willis, a woman living with a gentle loneliness, finds her world unsettled when a mysterious Asian man arrives. Their cautious bond challenges the town's rigid codes and sparks whispered conversations among neighbors who judge and speculate. As bigotry surfaces and long buried secrets emerge, the couple must decide how far they will go to protect what they feel. The drama unfolds with restraint, letting small moments of connection carry weight. Rather than spectacle, the story concentrates on choices and consequences as prejudice tests family, friendship, and the possibility of happiness. Its focus stays close to the characters as the town watches.

Released in 2016, Sophie and the Rising Sun was directed by Maggie Greenwald and adapted from Augusta Trobaugh's novella. The film centers on a restrained, intimate romance set against the charged atmosphere of a Southern town on the eve of World War II.

The movie had a limited release and earned only modest box office by indie standards. It premiered at several film festivals before a selective theatrical run and later distribution on streaming platforms.

This film appeared on the regional festival circuit and drew praise for performances by Julianne Nicholson and Margo Martindale, but did not secure major nominations on the national awards scene. Critics also commended its quiet storytelling and patient depiction of a difficult topic.

Critics highlighted the film's careful handling of race, desire and moral compromise. The themes include prejudice, loyalty, the cost of secrecy, and the tension between personal happiness and communal expectations. With restrained direction, intimate performances and a measured pace, the film invites reflection on how communities define courage and what it costs to choose love in a hostile era.