"Ghostlight" tells the compelling story of an ordinary labourer's journey into the world of drama through a production of "Romeo and Juliet". The film does an exceptional job at painting a realistic and relatable picture of individuals dealing with personal trauma and finding solace through art. Its raw authenticity and genuine approach to storytelling sets it apart in the realm of American indie films.
Directed by the dynamic duo of Kerry O'Sullivan and Alex Thompson from Chicago, the film revolves around a working-class family-each member played by a real-life actor. The patriarch, Dan (Keith Kupferer), is a construction worker who, along with his wife, Sharon (Tara Mallen), and their teenage daughter, Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer), navigate the complexities of living in a distressed family.
An interesting aspect of "Ghostlight" is its slow unfolding of the family’s complex ordeal, revealed late in the narrative, which may unsettle some viewers but adds a layer of intrigue to the film. The family's idiosyncrasies, from Dan's sometimes explosive temper at work to Daisy's rebellious nature, give the audience a peek into their troubled lives before really knowing the root of their issues.
Introducing actress Dolly De Leon from "Triangle of Sadness" as Rita, she meets Dan due to construction noise near her theater. This chance encounter leads Dan to join the local theater troupe's low-budget production of "Romeo and Juliet" as Romeo, bringing some of the film's weaker yet humorous moments.
Despite some of its sitcom-esque scenes, the film yields moments of pure delight, largely due to the dynamic performances of the cast. Daisy becomes an unexpected gem, her intensity drawing viewers' attention in every scene she's in. The depth of the characters defies caricature, especially in the portrayals of the parents' struggles.
"Ghostlight" follows a tradition of films like "The Full Monty" and "Brassed Off", which illustrates the transformative power of art in the lives of the most unlikely individuals. It beautifully captures the subtlety of human emotion, avoiding overtly explanatory dialogues or grandiose speeches.
Although the film doesn't fully exploit its intriguing premise, it still holds its own with its intuitive storytelling approach. Some aspects that initially seem peculiar become the foundation of its dramatic strength, such as the casting of middle-aged actors as Romeo and Juliet. The selection of this play symbolizes the family’s journey of processing their grief-a testament to the extraordinary potential of art to interpret and reflect life.
"Ghostlight" effectively portrays the universality of human struggle and the incredible power of artistic expression to resonate deeply with our own experiences. The film is a powerful reminder that the beauty of art lies in its ability to make us see ourselves amidst our complex realities.
