Between the Lights

I just saw this at the Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) in Richmond, Virginia, United States. I'm a fan of supernatural love stories, and this one went beyond expectations. Beautifully nuanced performances, gorgeous photography, and a surprising deep delve into physical and metaphysical concepts, with a sweet Christmas presence. Once it's available, I will likely watch it every year. The lead actors were unknown to me, but both were magnetic and a pleasure to watch. A very good chemistry between them. The locations in York & Keswick had their own energy and presence as well. The towns and landscapes were shot beautifully without preciousness. Also worth mentioning is the shifting palettes and energies of the distinct time-frames. It's all a glorious puzzle, fun to watch and ponder.

It's hard to describe the impact that this film had on me without spoilers, but I'm going to try and do so. It manages to mix haunting surreality with questioning reality. As the film developed I found myself asking what was real. It is an emotional love story that left me feeling Alice's emotions. Afterwards it took me a while to come away from those feelings. Some of the scenes are filmed in such a way that you feel that you're there sitting in the bar, listening to the songs. The beautiful Keswick town and countryside are portrayed in a very understated way, perfect to suit the film. The passing of time, or not, which questions the reality of time is really well portrayed within the film. When I was a student I was profoundly affected by the film 'Truly madly deeply'. This film had the same effect on me and will stay with me forever. The only criticism I have is that at times it was difficult to hear the dialogue clearly.

Between the Lights has stuck with me unlike any film I've seen in a truly long time. It's like a feeling surrounding you that lingers and keeps you in its aura, thinking about it. Visually it is a spectacular, beautiful film. The music creates an entire otherworldly experience. The entire film stays with you, envelops you in its magic. I was lucky enough to see the movie around the holidays and months later I am still thinking about it.

It was more than a film-more of a thought provoking transcendent experience that you find yourself turning over and feeling. I would love to study this film, and if I taught I would absolutely assign it. It lends itself to extremely thoughtful and deep discussion and feeling.

It's nearly impossible to review this film without including spoilers, and this film is best watched knowing as little as possible. It's a love story and a spiritual exploration while never leaning too heavily on either. Also, the writers play with time in such a way that the audience wonders where on the timeline each scene might be (or are there multiple timelines?).

The talented writers understand that not every scene must push the plot forward and are happy to take their time with two excellent leads, letting us get to know them and vicariously experiencing their obvious chemistry.

Whether you're a skeptic, a believer or a romantic, or if you simply enjoy beautiful English settings, you will find this wonderful story is a pleasure to view. The film warrants multiple screenings not only to appreciate its depth and complexity, but also because it is a way to honor the excellent work these producers created.

Between the Lights shows us love can be found at the heart of spirituality and spirituality is at the heart of love.

I'd highly recommend this excellent, original and highly watchable film. The plot really draws you in and it's filmed in beautiful locations in the north of England. There are lovely shots of all the landscapes and the moving soundtrack really adds to the atmosphere. The chemistry between the two lead actors is really special. Although it's primarily a love story, there are also some really good laugh-out-loud comic moments! The film is set over three Christmases so it's perfect as a festive watch although it could equally also be enjoyed at any time of the year. This is definitely one to watch!