A melancholic middle-aged construction worker grieves after a family tragedy. Cut off from his devoted wife and talented but troubled daughter, Dan finds comfort and community in a misfit company of amateur actors. While moonlighting in a low-rent production of Shakespeare’s most protean tragedy, Dan is forced to confront his buried emotions.
Ghostlight, directed by Kelly O'Sullivan and Alex Thompson, is a touching exploration of grief and healing, centered around the power of community and art. Written by O'Sullivan, the film stars Keith Kupferer as Dan Mueller, Tara Mallen as his wife Sharon, and their real-life daughter, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, as their troubled teen daughter, Daisy. The casting of actual family members adds a layer of authenticity to the portrayal of a family grappling with unspoken sorrow and emotional distance.
The narrative begins with Dan, a road worker with a volatile temper, struggling to connect with his family. His inability to manage his anger and emotions creates a rift with Sharon and adds tension to his already strained relationship with Daisy. The family's suffering is evident, though the reasons behind their distress are only gradually revealed. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that they are dealing with profound grief, a theme that resonates with anyone who has experienced loss.
Ghostlight deftly balances drama with moments of unexpected humour. While it could have easily become a heavy-handed portrayal of a family in crisis, the film injects lightheartedness through its eccentric supporting characters. These characters, who provide both comic relief and wisdom, gently guide Dan towards self-discovery. The film's portrayal of overactors clashing with Dan's straightforward, almost lifeless delivery, adds a layer of irony and wit, as he stumbles through Shakespearean lines with awkward sincerity.
The film's setting is intentionally low-key and naturalistic, allowing for an organic storytelling style that draws the audience in. This authenticity is further enhanced by the real-life familial connections of the cast. The nuanced performances, particularly from Kupferer and Mallen, offer a raw and heartfelt depiction of a family navigating their pain. The script, penned with great restraint by O'Sullivan, unfolds the characters' inner lives through subtle dialogue and quiet revelations, avoiding melodrama and instead opting for a more introspective approach.
At the heart of Ghostlight is the theme of art as a transformative and redemptive force. The film explores how engaging with art can provide a safe space for expressing deep-seated emotions and resolving internal conflicts. This is poignantly illustrated through the family's involvement in a community theatre production of Romeo and Juliet. The parallels between the play's tragic romance and the family's struggles are skillfully drawn, creating a fusion of fantasy and reality that adds depth to the narrative.
Dan's journey is particularly compelling as he grapples with his own unresolved emotions. Brought up with traditional notions of masculinity, he believes that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. This belief has turned him into the antagonist of his own story, unable to confront the "black hole" of grief that has swallowed him. The film portrays his gradual opening up with sensitivity, as he uses the safety of his role in the play to explore his sadness without directly confronting it. The process is cathartic, allowing him to finally begin to heal.
While Ghostlight navigates heavy themes, it is never overly morose. The consistent thread of humour running through the film prevents it from becoming overly sentimental. This balance keeps the narrative engaging and relatable, as it captures the complexities of human emotions without resorting to clichés. The film's pacing is deliberate and slow, but this measured approach allows for a deeper emotional resonance.
Despite its strengths, Ghostlight is not without its flaws. Some of the major revelations in the story are predictably telegraphed and stretched out longer than necessary. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise rich psychological landscape that the film explores. The portrayal of denial, grief, and remorse is handled with a level of psychological depth that makes Dan's path to self-awareness and recovery both believable and moving.
Ultimately, Ghostlight is a film about the redemptive power of art and the importance of community in times of personal crisis. It offers a profound and honest exploration of how participating in communal artistic expression can provide a unique avenue for healing. The film's portrayal of interpersonal bonds and the shared experience of theatre underscores the idea that art allows individuals to express themselves freely and without prejudice.
Ghostlight is a testament to the quiet, powerful catharsis that can come from confronting one's inner demons and embracing vulnerability. It is a deeply felt narrative that navigates trauma with grace and humour, offering a moving and satisfying cinematic experience. The film may require patience due to its slow and deliberate pace, but the emotional payoff is well worth the investment.
Ghostlight will be released in NZ cinemas on August 15, 2024