“I don’t know what normal is,” Dan Muller (Keith Kupferer) confesses towards the end of Ghostlight. His family may be dramatic, but to him, they don’t get it from me.
Dan is a Chicagoland construction worker whose marriage to Sharon (Tara Mallen) isn’t particularly stable. When they receive a call from their daughter Daisy’s (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) school about her expulsion for shoving a teacher, what seems like another teenage phase soon reveals deeper wounds the trio grapple with.
An Hour of Subtle Revelations
The film carefully unveils the reasons behind their emotional strain, with euphemistic ambiguity throughout its first hour. The premise echoes themes of mounting stress and latent anguish. During this buildup, Dan lashes out at a pedestrian while preparing for a deposition, leading to a temporary suspension from work.
This incident catches the eye of Rita (Dolly De Leon), a member of a local theater troupe performing Romeo and Juliet. Interestingly, despite his unfamiliarity with Shakespeare, Dan joins the troupe—a stark contrast to his blue-collar identity—which serves as an unconventional mirror to his inner turmoil.
The Blend of Tonal and Technical Elements
Kelly O’Sullivan & Alex Thompson’s direction exudes an ease that holds the film together. Their collaboration in Saint Frances is evident as they let scenes breathe, imbuing Ghostlight with a similar controlled tone. The editing by Mike S. Smith, particularly in the first hour, allows characters to develop authentically.
The simplicity and unassuming nature of the film’s rhythm contrast with the depth of character emotions. While some aspects like Dan’s work leave seem unresolved, Keith Kupferer’s performance as Dan effectively anchors the narrative.
Navigating Predictability with Emotional Depth
The plot may occasionally verge on predictability or manipulativeness, especially regarding the family’s underlying tragedy. However, it skirts exploitation and focuses on grounding emotional arcs. For instance, the palpable tension
often associated with superficial paranormal drama instead reveals genuine human connections and trauma recovery.
Casting Brings True Color
The cast is pivotal, pushing beyond any superficial traps. Kupferer gives depth to Dan’s journey by shifting nonverbally through stages of grief and self-realization. Similarly, Dolly De Leon provides stability as Rita, drawing parallels between art and life that resonate through her interactions with Daisy.
A Debut Balancing Humility and Craftsmanship
Ghostlight culminates in a theatrical resolve—acknowledging and sanitizing hardships through the lens of art. Its modest approach and slow build might feel too literal at times but maintains coherence thanks to nuanced performances.
It has charm
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