Ghostlight

I know several Shakespeare aficionados that claim, while Romeo and Juliet is the most taught of the tragedies, it ranks low on the quality scale. Even if we didn't pay attention in freshman English, we know the rough outlines of the plot.

Here, the 16th century R&J play exists as the metaphorical and literal binder for a real 2024 family, and suggests the unwritten aftermath the Verona families may have endured in the weeks and months and years that followed. Their rage ... anger ... despair ... sadness ... accusations ... avoidance.

What the audience is asked to infer from what's NOT on the screen makes what IS on screen all the more poignant and foreshadowing and graceful. The writing, casting, directing, and editing is just amazing.

Grief takes on many inescapable forms and can permeate everything. Grief is a funny thing, with a 1,000 triggers and 1,000 unexpected responses. Here, we're left with the possibility of the beginning of the healing.

"Island of misfit toys" Rita (Dolly De Leon)

Rita aptly describes her ramshackle community-theater group and unknowingly describes the tough family at the heart of the dramedy film Ghostlight. Having survived an unbearable tragedy, construction worker dad, Dan (Keith Kupferer), secretly joins the group to play Romeo, in an adaptation of the Bard's colossal tragedy that mirrors the challenges of the film's nuclear family.

Writer, director Kelly O'Sullivan (along with co-director Alex Thompson) shows the therapeutic value of theater, just as director Greg Kwedar did for Sing Sing, in which prisoners found redemption from theater productions. The family finds out about Dan's secret life, eventually healing because of it.

The film's actual acting family of Keith, outspoken teen Daisy played by his daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer), and mother Sharon played by wife/mother Tara Mallen lends a spirit to the film whereby each gently-revealed setback can't destroy the love they feel for each other on stage and real life. Oscar nominations should follow that real family.

Henry Miller would approve the admixture of love, humor, and tragedy is one of the two best movies of the year. To see it at holiday time is to remind us the salutary effect of quality family drama in film, theater, and life itself. Streaming on Prime.

This film is pure storytelling without any pretense or formality. It beautifully captures the magic of theater, portraying the ups and downs of life while attempting to navigate its challenges. It's a humble piece of cinema, showing great respect for the medium, the audience, and the range of emotions. Despite focusing on the family's difficult situation, the movie delves deep into human emotions, establishing an intimate connection with the audience throughout. It's a remarkable example of independent cinema focused on authentic storytelling, something that's hard to come by in today's film landscape.

Ghostlight masterfully captures a family's journey through life with authentic performances and a compelling story, making it a must-see drama. The film can be a bit of a slow burn at times, but it is still an immensely moving character study on an ordinary dad who struggles to open up about his emotions. Each character in the film is uniquely complex and likeable. Yet, every single character still feels like someone you would know in real life. There are no Hollywood stars, extravagant sets, or lavish locations. Instead, the film is an accurate representation of real life, and so, it becomes extraordinarily relatable.

It's brilliant. It has good acting and camera, rhythm, directing and it's humane. Maybe this is not going to my movie library, but what I do is that I cut such movies into pieces and when it is the right time I show these to my students.

As for the plot and this piece is about a loneliness of parents that are tired of life and are almost exhausted. Then all of a sudden the main character finds his new chapter in his life. Real people who are appeared to be good and true. Actually same people as the main character - a father of a teenager. Can't remember of a similar movie, but I am quite sure there are lots of them in American cinematography. Being tired of spiritless CGI's and all those superpowers, by watching this work, you will definitely have a good time and get entertained in a positive way.

The other thing with this film is that it is not too sweet or too whining. Nor does it have no single fake acting or contrived situations.

Thanks for a great work.