A Rant About Sunshine Emergency: The Good, The Bad, and The Smoky

Sunshine is a 2007 science fiction psychological thriller film directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland. It features an ensemble cast, including Rose Byrne, Cliff Curtis, Chris Evans, Troy Garity, Cillian Murphy, Hiroyuki Sanada, Benedict Wong, and Michelle Yeoh.

Let’s talk about Sunshine Emergency, shall we? Now, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a hit piece on the hardworking staff who are doing an incredible job under pressure. They’re basically superheroes in scrubs, tackling medical emergencies with the grace of a gazelle while simultaneously juggling flaming swords (okay, maybe not the last part, but you get the point). No, my little rant today is about the delightful behavior of some of the patients who seem to have forgotten that there are other human beings around them.

First up, let’s address the parking situation. Now, I’m not saying that finding a parking spot at Sunshine Emergency is akin to hunting for a needle in a haystack, but it’s definitely not a walk in the park either. There are about ten parking spots, all of them designated for a measly five-minute stop. But guess what? After an hour, only one car has decided to move. I mean, come on people! If you’re in the emergency department, it’s likely because you need urgent care—not because you’re planning to set up camp in your car for a Netflix binge.

Next, let’s talk about the smoking and vaping signs near the entrance. You know, those little reminders that are meant to keep the air fresh and the atmosphere somewhat civil? Apparently, they’re treated more like loose guidelines than actual rules. I mean, who needs fresh air when you can puff away like a chimney right at the entrance? It’s like a game of ‘how much can we annoy the people already dealing with enough stress?’ Spoiler alert: it’s a lot.

And then there’s the pièce de résistance: the gentleman who stepped outside and decided that his thoughts on the British, Chinese, and Indian populations were worth shouting into the night. Because nothing says ‘I’m here for medical assistance’ like a good old xenophobic rant, right? I mean, he must have thought he was at a comedy club instead of an emergency room. Newsflash, buddy: the only punchline here is that you’re making a terrible situation worse for everyone around you.

The crux of the matter is that everyone at Sunshine Emergency is there for a reason. Whether it’s a minor scrape or a serious health issue, we’re all humans sharing a space where vulnerability and fear are often at the forefront. So why not be a decent human being while you’re at it? A little kindness can go a long way.

In conclusion, let’s remember that we’re all in this together. If you’re at Sunshine Emergency, take a deep breath (preferably not in the vicinity of the smokers), be mindful of others, and let’s try to make the best of a tough situation. After all, we might just be the ones who need a little kindness next time, and wouldn’t it be nice to receive it? Now, if only we could figure out the parking situation…


Inspired by: “A little rant about Sunshine Emergency” (r/melbourne)