From the trailer alone, one would expect Light from Light to be a classic paranormal thriller with jumps and ghosts galore. Instead, writer-director Paul Harrill gives us a character-driven drama that explores our human desire to create a life with purpose, and along that journey, we create our own internal ghosts. With the help of Greta Zozula’s cinematic eye behind the lens and the soft sounds of Adam Granduciel and Jon Natchez’s score, we enter a world where Shelia and Richard are haunted by past pains and recent traumas, and their journey together will lead to enormous revelations.
Shelia (Marin Ireland) is a single mother who has “the gift” of prophetic dreaming. At the beginning of the film, we watch Shelia’s radio interview about her career in paranormal investigation and her recent departure from that field. Shelia shows evidence of a jaded and reluctant self-image through the story of her first dream at eight-years-old. That experience gave her the “gift,” however, as she grows and continues sharing her dreams, she is asked if she’s a believer. Shelia expertly avoids answering the question, not sure what she believes in.
Richard (Jim Gaffigan) is recently widowed. His wife died in a private plane crash and now believes that her spirit is trying to communicate to him. From his keys being moved to where she stood in their kitchen to their bedroom lights flickering, Richard is searching for answers and what his purpose is now. When Shelia agrees to investigate, she brings her son Owen (Josh Wiggins) and his study partner Lucy (Atheena Frizzell) to help. Lucy is sweet and open about her feelings towards Owen. Conversely, he is protective and curbs the potential romance. He admits that he could fall in love with her, but with differing plans after graduation, he bluntly states, “…why get together if we know it’s going to end?” Little do any of them know that this exploration into paranormal phenomena will give them little clarity into the afterlife, but shine a light on how to best live the life they have, now.
Ireland and Gaffigan give performances that are modest and delicate yet rich in sensitivity. Those familiar with Ireland’s depth onstage will continue to be in awe at her sincerity and realism. Her interactions with Gaffigan show the gentle touch of a woman who wants to comfort and help, yet doesn’t understand how to turn inward. Fans of Gaffigan will expect a performance with hilarity but be delighted at the earnestness he brings.
The most impressive aspect of Harrill’s script is that we are not given any solid, concrete answers. Harrill lets the audience draw its own meaning from the ending. This shifts the focus from “Is Richard being haunted?” to a study of how humans create a life of meaning with incomplete knowledge. And if the title is any indicator, we can gain light from life’s mysteries if we allow ourselves. – Ashley DeFrancesco
LIGHT FROM LIGHT (2019)
Starring: Marin Ireland, Jim Gaffigan, Josh Wiggins, Atheena Frizzell, David Cale
Directed by: Paul Harrill
Written by: Paul Harrill
Distributor: Grasshopper Film
Running time: 82 minutes
Playing: Opens this Friday at Landmark’s Nuart Theatre
