All We Imagine as Light

Light delves into the complex struggles women face in the harsh realities of city life. The film captures the fears and challenges of young, unmarried women dealing with family pressures, a middle-aged woman feeling stuck in her life, and an elderly woman facing homelessness. These portrayals of adulthood's difficulties-loneliness, poor relationships, and uncertain futures-can feel overwhelming and unsettling.

However, the film also offers a glimmer of hope, especially in its final scene, where a sense of possibility shines through, accompanied by uplifting music. It reminds us that despite life's hardships, there is always room for growth, change, and hope for a better future. Light is a poignant reminder that while the struggles of life are real, we have the strength to rise above them and create our own path forward.

This film was fine, but I'm struggling to understand what sets it apart. While it's artistic, the film lacks a compelling narrative. It seems to tick the right boxes-a woman of color from Europe directing-but beyond that, what makes it stand out? I'm baffled by the critical acclaim. The acting was solid, the score was minimal, and the direction was decent. It feels like the inclusion of nudity and explicit scenes is what ultimately sold the film. Is this really what filmmakers must resort to in order to cater to Western audiences? The pacing is incredibly slow, which likely appealed to the French audience and contributed to its selection at Cannes.

Cannes loves films like these!

Quiet and fragile, 'All We Imagine as Light' delicately unfolds life in Mumbai, capturing the solitude of its protagonists in a city full of movement. The film beautifully juxtaposes the stillness of personal struggles against the relentless pace of urban life, creating an intimate yet universal portrait of longing and resilience. However, while the storytelling is subtle and poetic, it lacks a true climax, leaving certain narrative threads unresolved. Despite this, the film's delicate atmosphere, compelling performances, and evocative cinematography make it a poignant, meditative experience that lingers beyond the screen.

I have a profound appreciation for directors who possess this inherent ability to extract moments of intrigue from the monotonous aspects of life.

These filmmakers can illuminate even the most repetitive daily activities in a fresh manner, all while weaving narratives that delve deeper into complexities of human psychology and interpersonal relationships.

Payal Kapadia is one amongst them.

Her exploration of a wife's tiring loneliness, a young woman's sexual desires, and an elderly woman's struggle to leave her beloved home presents three women in circumstances that test their morals, challenge their upbringing, and, most importantly, confront their flawed perspectives.

While I admire Kapadia's narrative prowess, it is evident that the themes she addresses lack sufficient depth for development. The notable absence of conflict restricts the potential for these stories to evolve into something more substantive.

Not suggesting they didn't bear any fruits, but looking at the subjects being discussed, I had hoped for better.

The dreamy score that meanders throughout this freewheeling film, played on sombre images that evoke nostalgic despair, is a pleasure to watch. I was more fascinated by the makers' attention to detail in carving out a Bombay that goes against the popular image and instead shows you its cloying nature. Three women find it difficult to navigate their lonely lives in the city as the camera follows them in public places and into their privacy. I was able to relate to the characters, having lived in Bombay for decades, but the film does go a bit haywire towards the end, and you could blame it on me I lost track there. Overall, a good experience, thanks to the soundtrack and good use of textual design (especially the red font).

(Watched at its Bombay premiere at the 2024 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.)