When melancholic construction worker Dan (Keith Kupferer) finds himself drifting from his wife and daughter, he discovers community and purpose in a local theater’s production of Romeo and Juliet. As the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to confront a personal loss.Content expanded.
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REVIEW:
Ghost Light” is a poignant and deeply moving film that masterfully intertwines the themes of grief, family dynamics, and the healing power of art. The true family dynamics of Keith Kupferer, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, and Tara Mallen, who play the father, wife, and daughter respectively, add an authentic layer to the portrayal of a family grappling with loss. Their real-life relationships enrich the narrative, making the characters’ interactions and emotional struggles feel incredibly genuine and relatable.
Keith Kupferer’s performance as the grieving father is both powerful and nuanced. He captures the essence of a man trying to hold his family together while dealing with his own sorrow. Katherine Mallen Kupferer brings a quiet strength to her role as the wife, her presence grounding the family amidst their turmoil. Tara Mallen, as the daughter, delivers a heartfelt performance that beautifully conveys the confusion and pain of losing a loved one.
Dolly Deleon also shines in her role, adding depth and complexity to the story. Her character’s interactions with the family provide moments of solace and understanding, highlighting the importance of community and support in times of grief.
The film cleverly uses the timeless tragedy of “Romeo and Juliet” as a parallel to the family’s own story. The echoes of Shakespeare’s play serve as a poignant reminder of the universality of loss and the potential for healing through art. The play becomes a source of connection and catharsis for the father, daughter, and wife, helping them navigate their grief and find a path forward.
Overall, “Ghost Light” is a beautifully crafted film that offers a heartfelt exploration of grief and the healing power of family and art. It earns a well-deserved rating of A- or 4.0/5 for its authentic performances, emotional depth, and thoughtful storytelling.
CREDITS:
Directed by
- Kelly O’Sullivan
- Alex Thompson
Written by
Kelly O’Sullivan
Produced by
- Ian Keiser
- Alex Thompson
- Pierce Cravens
- Eddie Linker
- Chelsea Krant
Starring
- Keith Kupferer
- Dolly de Leon
- Katherine Mallen Kupferer
- Tara Mallen
- Hana Dworkin
- Tommy Rivera-Vega
- Alma Washington
- H.B. Ward
- Dexter Zollicoffer
- Lia Cubilete
- Deanna Dunagan
- Francis Guinan
Cinematography
Luke Dyra
Edited by
Mike S. Smith
Music by
Quinn Tsan
Production
companies
- Little Engine
- Runaway Train
Distributed by
Release dates
- January 18, 2024(Sundance)
- June 14, 2024(United States)
Running time
115 minutes
Country
United States
Language
English
Budget
< $1 million
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