Waiting for the Light to Change

"Waiting for the Light to Change" is an impressive and nuanced debut feature from director Linh Tran. Set in a lake house in Michigan at the end of winter, the film follows five characters who come together in awkward fashion, reuniting and meeting for the first time. The story unfolds slowly and deliberately, as the characters navigate their anxieties, despair, and sadness in their 20s while building a life and career.

Tran's direction is precise and confident, using long takes and master shots to develop her characters and establish their simmering tensions just beneath the surface. The naturalistic dialogue, largely improvised by the talented cast, creates a strong sense of authenticity and immediacy. The cinematography by David Foy is stunning, capturing the cold, desolate beauty of the winter landscape and the isolation of the characters.

What sets "Waiting for the Light to Change" apart is its ability to paint a bigger picture of a generational statement. Each character has their own internal crisis, and the film shows a group of twentysomethings adrift, grappling with the loss of their past while staring down an uncertain future. Tran deftly weaves together intimate character study and broader look at youthful unease with a firm handle on evoking her characters' inner turmoil.

Overall, "Waiting for the Light to Change" is an impressive and unassuming film that rewards those willing to seek it out and attune themselves to its rhythms. It is a heartfelt and intimate exploration of the complexities of growing up and the anxieties that come with it, and a remarkable debut from Linh Tran.

Linh Tran's directorial debut, "Waiting For the Light to Change," is a serene and introspective film that explores the complex dynamics between friendship, love, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a snowy Michigan lake house during a week-long retreat, the movie centers around Amy, who is still grappling with the aftermath of significant weight loss. Her best friend, Kim, brings along her new beau, which stirs feelings within Amy that she struggles to reconcile with her loyalty towards her dear friend.

Tran's film delves into the nuanced emotions that surface when individuals grapple with conflicting desires. She excels in capturing each character's inner turmoil with remarkable sensitivity, allowing viewers to empathize and connect with them on a deep level. Moreover, Tran's skillful use of cinematography adds depth and richness to the movie, rendering every scene with breathtaking clarity and detail.

While "Waiting For the Light to Change" undoubtedly offers several compelling moments, it isn't entirely flawless. At times, the dialogue feels forced, and the narrative might appear too drawn-out for some audiences' tastes. Nonetheless, Tran compensates for these shortcomings by infusing her work with a profound sense of authenticity and sincerity, elevating the viewing experience significantly.

In conclusion, Linh Tran's debut offering is deserving of a 6.5/10 rating. "Waiting For the Light to Change" is a poignant and thought-provoking film that deserves recognition and admiration. Although it may have some flaws, it's a commendable effort from a talented newcomer, and one that warrants attention and respect.

I think that would be a more appropriate title for this movie. I thought of it as the cinematic version of Z-Quill. If you're having trouble getting to sleep, just put this movie on and I can practically guarantee you'll be nodding off in a matter of minutes. Okay, I got my digs in. Truth be told, the movie wasn't terrible.

I thought it had a great deal of potential The cinematography was pretty good. The acting wasn't awful. The problem was in the writing. The movie was about five people in their early twenties who head to a beach house for a week. Then their stories begin to be told. Unfortunately, we don't really learn that much about them. There's mention of one of the women having gotten over an eating disorder. But there are scenes, many scenes, where they're just sitting around, barely talking. And they all seem to be terribly depressed. How is that having a fun getaway? I'd rather stay at home than hang out with these sourpusses.

Anyway, I think the director has potential and look forward to seeing what comes next from her.

--MovieJunkieMark.