Ghostlight does a wonderful job of capturing what real and raw grief can look like, through all the stages such as anger and denial.
Movies, plays, television series, and songs are such important pieces of art because they allow the consumer to feel and to relate on deep and personal levels. In Ghostlight, a grieving man named Dan who is lost in the world discovers a place where he fits in and where he can express himself, in a small community theater. It is an unforgettable film that will move most viewers to tears, both during the heartwarming family moments, and the utterly devastating ones.
All too often we are shown that men, in particular those of a certain generation, are not in touch with their feelings. It isn’t exactly incorrect, but it isn’t exactly a good lesson to teach younger generations either. Dan (Keith Kupferer) expresses multiple times that he doesn’t want to talk about his feelings. He was raised to just push things out of his mind and move on. He was taught not to dwell.
However, when he joins the community theater production of Romeo and Juliet, which he does not tell his loved ones about because he is embarrassed, things start to change for him. It takes time but he ends up understanding that while there are different ways to go about it, confronting your emotions rather than letting them overtake you is important for your mental health.
It is clear from the start of Ghostlight that something has happened to this family. They are dealing with loss, each in their own way, and it isn’t until the events of what actually happened start to be revealed that viewers will be able to understand where they are all coming from.
Each member of the family – Dan, Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer), and Sharon (Tara Mallen) – bring something to the table that will allow audiences to connect with them and feel for them. In watching the movie, this critic was not aware that they are actually family in real life, as Katherine is the daughter of Keith and Tara. This all makes sense because there is a bond between them that feels genuine and true all throughout the film.
Katherine is sassy and bold. She is dealing with her loss in fits of anger, but at the same time, she brings a lot of the comedic moments to the screen as well. Her and Dan have some conversations that will have every parent holding their heart, and hoping for that kind of honesty to come about with their children should it ever need to.
The story is simple, yet powerful. It is apparent there was not a large budget for this film, just as their isn’t for the Romeo and Juliet performance inside of it, however the point still comes across in an unexpected and touching way. Art, no matter the form, is a great way for people to express themselves. All too often we forget our own needs, which in turn ends up hurting those around us.
For fear of spoilers, we will not dive too much into the second half of the film, but once the story all starts to come together, it truly shines. There are scenes that are certainly difficult to watch, especially for parents, but they are what makes this film what it is. All three of the lead actors are incredible, but there are raw and real moments of emotion with Keith that will rip out the hearts of those watching.
Ghostlight should not fly under the radar as it is one of the best films of the year. It is pure, honest, and something that most people will be able to relate to – whether it be the story itself, the grief involved, or one of the characters. This film is going to touch so many hearts. Just because there are scenes that are hard to watch, allow yourself to feel. You won’t regret it.
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About Ghostlight
When melancholic construction worker Dan finds himself drifting from his wife and daughter, he discovers community and purpose in a local theater’s production of Romeo and Juliet. As the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to confront a personal loss.
Ghostlight releases June 14, 2024 (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago) and expands June 21, 2024.
Ghostlight does a wonderful job of capturing what real and raw grief can look like, through all the stages such as anger and denial.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.