Fernando Lindez may have started as a swoon-worthy face on Spanish TV’s Elite, but he’s officially making the leap to Hollywood leading man status. The actor headlines the brand-new romance The Last Sunrise, which just hit theaters on August 26, and early buzz suggests he’s got the chops to match those cheekbones. The film, directed by Carlson Young, is already earning a solid 7.4 rating from audiences, and it’s easy to see why: this isn’t your typical summer fling flick.
The story centers on Ry, a college student played by Maia Reficco, who’s navigating life with a chronic illness. Her mother, Isolde, portrayed by the ever-glamorous Eva Longoria, decides to whisk her away to the sun-soaked island of Mallorca for the summer. It sounds like a dream vacation, but for Ry, it’s more of a bittersweet escape - a chance to trade hospital hallways for sandy beaches and maybe, just maybe, learn to live in the moment. Enter Julián, Lindez’s character, a local who doesn’t just catch Ry’s eye but completely upends her carefully guarded world. What starts as a lighthearted holiday romance quickly deepens into something more profound, especially as Ry’s health takes a turn and family secrets start bubbling to the surface.
Lindez isn’t just the pretty face in the equation, though. His Julián is written as the catalyst for Ry’s transformation - the guy who makes her want to stop counting days and start actually living them. For an actor who built his fanbase on the glossy, dramatic chaos of Elite, this role is a chance to show range. Playing a grounded, warm romantic lead opposite Reficco’s emotionally layered performance is a far cry from the high-stakes teen theatrics he’s known for. And if early reactions are any indication, he’s pulling it off with natural charisma.
The supporting cast is stacked with talent that adds serious depth to what could have been a simple love story. Longoria brings her signature grace to the role of Isolde, a mother whose own hidden past starts to unravel as the summer progresses. The film also features Chloé Sweetlove as Amara, Andrés Velencoso as Mateo, Stefanie Martini as Lena, Sabrina Bartlett as Prisha, and Àlex Peracaula as Carlos. That’s a lot of names, but each one seems to slot into the narrative to complicate Ry’s journey in meaningful ways - particularly when the family secrets Longoria’s character has been guarding threaten to dismantle everything Ry has found.
At 107 minutes, The Last Sunrise doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s a tight, emotionally resonant drama that balances the swoony romance fans crave with a heavier undercurrent of grief, identity, and the painful reality of loving someone who’s running out of time. Carlson Young, who’s proven herself a keen visual storyteller, captures Mallorca in all its golden-hour glory - making the island feel like its own character. The setting isn’t just pretty backdrop; it symbolizes the fleeting, sunlit freedom Ry experiences before reality crashes back in.
For Lindez, this movie marks a significant career pivot. Hollywood has a long history of pulling international stars into English-language projects, and The Last Sunrise is no exception. The film is pure Hollywood fare, and Lindez holds his own alongside a cast that includes a Desperate Housewives alum and a rising star like Reficco. It’s a confident debut on this stage, and it positions him for bigger things down the line.
What’s particularly refreshing about The Last Sunrise is that it doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of falling in love when your body is working against you. Ry’s condition isn’t just a plot device; it’s the engine of the story. Her choices, her fears, and her ultimate leap of faith all feel rooted in real human experience. The romance is there, don’t worry - there’s plenty of longing looks, stolen moments, and dramatic declarations - but it’s grounded in something more substantial than typical meet-cute energy.
That said, don’t expect a tearjerker from start to finish. The film has moments of lightness, warmth, and genuine humor, especially in the early scenes where Ry is resistant to Mallorca’s charms. The chemistry between Lindez and Reficco is electric enough to keep things engaging, but it’s the emotional stakes that will likely stick with you after the credits roll. And when those family secrets finally come out - well, let’s just say the summer idyll doesn’t stay idyllic for long.
If you’re a fan of Lindez from his Elite days, you’ll be thrilled to see him expand his repertoire. If you’re new to him entirely, The Last Sunrise serves as a perfect introduction to why Hollywood is betting big on him. With a runtime that’s easy to commit to, a gorgeous location, and a cast firing on all cylinders, this one’s worth catching while it’s still fresh in theaters. Just bring a tissue or two - you’ll probably need them.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
