Movie review: ‘Phantom Light’ | MovieFone

On cinemas on June 14, ‘ghost light‘ sees the cinematic release welcomed, albeit limited, for Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s wonderful story of pain, struggle, and belonging that lit up this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

In a year where bigger films struggle to make an impact, a smaller film like this has a chance to reach the audience it truly deserves, which is as many people as possible.

Related article: MIH: Exclusive ‘Ghostlight’ Interviews

Is ‘Ghostlight’ illuminating?

Let’s put any questions about the title to rest first: while you might expect supernatural happenings here, there’s nothing spooky about ‘Ghostlight.’ The title refers to a performing tradition in which a single light is kept shining over or around the performance space when it is dark.

It is rumored that the light is meant to scare away mischievous spirits; while others are convinced that it lights the way for the ghosts that are said to inhabit virtually every theater, keeping them happy and content.

There are no ghosts to be found in the film ‘Ghostlight,’ but the main character is certainly haunted, overcome by the pain he feels after an unimaginable loss within the family (something the filmmakers cleverly keep a mystery until later in the film). ). movie, even if it potentially frustrates some viewers; We won’t spoil it here.)

Script and direction

Chicago-based filmmakers O’Sullivan and Thompson have a history of working together (and a personal relationship) that gives their film richness and authenticity. The couple, previously best known for the 2019 drama ‘Saint Frances’, here discuss the deep well of sadness and the impact it has on the central family.

However, instead of simply wallowing in pain and pressure, they find something wonderful in the way that even the most amateur theater production can help people step outside of themselves: by being someone else. ‘Ghostlight”s script, while not perfect, at least feels as naturalistic as the performances it inspires, and while you may wonder about some of the more expected twists (like the mistaken suspicion that the protagonist is cheating) . about his wife), he manages to overcome any problem with the sincere evocation of his world.

As expected, given that the directors are also the screenwriters, the film comes to life with intimacy and care, with few errors in staging and acting. It’s clear that the filmmakers have a real love for the people and players they bring to the screen, and it’s hard for that not to be contagious, even if it is heartbreaking and funny at times. Also, you have to respect a director in Sullivan who stayed on the job while A) pregnant and B) suffering from a mild case of Covid, directing scenes using a monitor and walkie talkie outside one of the locations.

Performances

This is a film anchored by four strong central performances, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that, like its directors, three of them are connected beyond the screen.

Keith Kupferer as Dan

Dan is our way into the story, a stoic construction worker who has withdrawn further from the world due to a tragic loss for his family. He is dealing with his own feelings, his wife’s sense of loss, and his daughter’s behavior. He doesn’t expect to find what he’s looking for at a local theater company, but he gets more than he bargained for when he initially agrees to read a few lines.

Keith Kupferera stalwart of the Chicago theater scene who has also appeared in films such as ‘The dark knight‘ and ‘Fred Claus‘, usually in small, uncredited roles, here he gets the chance to shine. And what he does with the role is wonderful: totally believable and watchable. You’ll find yourself rooting for Dan to succeed and truly find what he’s been looking for.

Katherine Mallen Kupferer as Daisy

One of the other notable performances is Kupferer’s real-life daughter playing her on-screen daughter. He Katherine Mallen Kupferer She herself is a revelation, spiky and bratty in places, but showing the struggle she’s going through in a fresh, funny, and ultimately moving way. Daisy reacts to pain and tension with completely understandable frustration and anger, but Kupferer avoids clichés to bring something human to the table.

Tara Mallén as Sharon

Tara Mallen, Keith’s real-life wife and Katherine’s mother, is the film’s steel backbone, a woman who knows she can’t simply implode in the face of incredible trauma, as she perceives it is doing to her husband. Although her role is minor, Mallen always plays it with depth and grace.

Dolly De Leon as Rita

Dolly De Leonbest known at this time for ‘Sadness triangle‘, is a ball of fire as Rita, the first scene complaining about the noise of Dan and his colleagues working outside their theater group’s ramshackle premises and then dragging him there to help with the production of’Romeo Juliet‘. He is a great character, played by the actress with precision and spirit.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also praise the other members of the theater company, who bring something fun and emotional to the table. This is a magnificent set.

Final thoughts

While a film about the healing properties of acting might seem overblown and self-satisfied, ‘Ghostlight’ avoids those problems by treating the grieving aspect with the weight it deserves and making the transformative aspects feel earned.

Hopefully, the film won’t just disappear into the packaging and could find itself with more award nominations in the future. It’s certainly something to watch, unless you’re uncomfortable with strangers watching you whine in a movie theater.

‘Ghostlight’ receives 8.5 out of 10 stars.

What is the story of ‘Ghostlight’?

Devastated by a loss, middle-aged father Dan (Keith Kupferer) struggles to control his anger at work at a road construction site and distances himself from his heartbroken family.

When the outspoken Rita (Dolly De Leon) bullies him into joining a faltering community theater production of Romeo and Juliet, Dan slowly begins to reopen himself to life’s possibilities.

Who stars in ‘Ghostlight’?

In addition to Kupferer and De Leon, the cast includes Katherine Mallen Kupferer, Tara Mallen, Hanna Dworkin, Dexter ZollicofferMatthew C. Yee and Tommy Rivera Vega.

Other Dolly de León movies: