A film under many people’s radars, “Ghostlight” taps into the power of community theater in the face of incredible tragedy. It could be one of the best films you’ll ever see this year.
The film follows Dan Mueller (Keith Kupferer), a construction worker who was invited to join a local theatre group’s production of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” led by Rita (Dolly De Leon). Unfamiliar with the source material, he soon realizes that his life mirrors the tragic nature of the play.
There’s beauty in the film’s gentle approach to telling the story of a family in mourning, particularly of a father restraining himself of vulnerability. “Ghostlight” uses the stage to address the Mueller family’s challenges and could be their only solution out of being crumbled apart. They say it is impossible to go into the stage without offering a part of your soul to the craft. Theater is Dan’s vessel to heal for his family.
The biggest revelation of “Ghostlight” is its cast. Dolly De Leon marked another win after “Triangle of Sadness” as the theatre community lead, but the film’s powerhouse trio is Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen, and Katherine Kupferer as the Muellers. It’s worth noting that the three are a real-life family and the rawness of their performance seeps through the screen.
My biggest frustration with “Ghostlight” is that a lot of audiences will probably overlook this movie on the marquee and opt for a familiar Hollywood blockbuster. But if this review ever landed on someone searching for a movie, let this be your endorsement to see it.
“Ghostlight” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and has now arrived in Australian and New Zealand cinemas from Vendetta Films. Give it a try.
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