"Waiting for the Light to Change," a drama centered around the challenges and transitions of young adulthood, marks an admirable first outing for Linh Tran as co-writer and director. The movie beautifully captures the quiet aura of a winter-bound Michigan lake house, opting for an understated narrative set against an atmospheric lakeside backdrop, further enriched by natural performances from its ensemble cast.
Tran skillfully juggles the narratives of her quintet of characters, with 25-year-old Amy (portrayed by Jin Park) emerging as the central figure. Amy's recent weight loss becomes a focal point, with her struggle to accept the attention it garners hinting at deeper insecurities, particularly stemming from her post-graduate unemployment.
As Amy grapples with her identity, her old friend Kim (played by Joyce Ha) enters the scene, exuding success. Accompanying Kim is her boyfriend Jay (Sam Straley), a mutual acquaintance from high school. The palpable chemistry between Amy and Jay suggests unresolved feelings, adding layers of complexity to the group dynamics. Complications ensue with Kim and Jay’s discernible relationship strains, mirroring the intricate webs spun between all characters. Amy's cousin Lin (Qun Chi), an international student, and Alex (Erik Barrientos), an enthusiastic cannabis advocate with a growing fondness for Amy, complete the ensemble.
Yet, despite its commendable elements, the film’s narrative struggles with its aspirations. While Tran, alongside co-writers Jewells Santos and Delia van Praag, champions the value of nuanced performance and imagery, the dialogues sometimes falter. They oscillate between being overly direct and vague, never quite striking the desired balance.
That said, the actors deliver flawless performances, harmoniously aligned with Tran's directorial vision. She draws inspiration from minimalistic filmmaking and iconic slow cinema moments. Tran masterfully utilizes both scene blocking and camerawork to encourage viewers to form connections or simply immerse in the film’s uniquely European emotional and climatic undertones. Memorable scenes, such as the poignant bedroom interaction between Amy and Lin, stand testament to her capability. At times, Tran’s camera remains static, allowing events to naturally unfold, while in other instances, the lens shifts, focusing on varying characters, though the primary conversation continues off-screen.
This film evokes the raw authenticity of Steven Soderbergh’s "sex, lies, and videotape." Soderbergh himself opined that his debut film was superior in acting than in its direction and better directed than written. Given that his script was commendable and the other components even more so, drawing parallels with "Waiting for the Light to Change" is certainly a flattering compliment. Such comparisons, coupled with the film's evident merits, suggest a promising future for Tran and her team in the world of cinema.
