-Written by Kyle Bain.
An Anglican priest, Father Francis Nichols, embarks on a journey of experimental medicine, in the hopes that he might regain his vision. Light Darkness Light tells a partially-fictionalized version of Francis’ story, hoping to express to the world that miracles are possible.
How do you put viewers in the shoes of a blind man? How do you accurately express to those watching what Father Franic Nichols is experiencing? Director Landon Van Soest uses light to bring Francis’ experience to life, to allow viewers to understand and appreciate the struggles that he has faced for years. Additionally, he uses special effects to make this experience heavenly, fluid, almost relaxing. It’s an ironic approach, considering Francis is certainly experiencing the opposite. With these visuals, we are presented a glimmer of hope, something special that resonates with us–and these are the moments in which Light Darkness Light flourishes, where it finds its way and becomes most accessible to viewers.
Beyond the physical representation of Francis’ struggles, Light Darkness Light leans heavily on emotion in order to find success. We get this early and often, sometimes to the point that Van Soest may have forgotten that other aspects of this film matter. I get it; I understand that emotion is often the way to an audience’s heart–but to lean into this one aspect of appeal too strongly only hinders other aspects of the film. Ultimately, this aspect of the film becomes draining. I didn’t feel emotionally spent, but rather, I became frustrated by this aspect of Light Darkness Light.
With that, it became incredibly easy to lose interest in Father Ian Nichols’ journey, as it seems to drone on and on–without presenting viewers with much variation. It’s the same, very linear story from start to finish, and while I can appreciate the journey, to follow it for nearly an hour and a half became very tedious. The visuals are beautiful, and the ability of Van Soest and his team to immerse viewers in this world is impeccable–but the emotional aspect of Light Darkness Light became too much to handle.
Proverbs 25:16 reads: “As honey is sweet, so is the sweetness of a friend; but too much of it, and one is sick of it.” Light Darkness Light has a good thing going, and, in the simplest of ways, it understands how to reach its viewers: through the power of pathos. But, again, the film takes this too far–ultimately causing it to be ineffective by the film’s conclusion. Emotional balance is what Light Darkness Light needs more than anything, and it’s the thing that Van Soest and his team just couldn’t achieve. I love that I was pulled into Light Darkness Light, as I was able to step into the shoes of our focal character, and I believe that this is the film’s saving grace.
It’s clear Van Soest’s artistic talent, and Light Darkness Light is certainly a success–but it doesn’t live up to its director’s capabilities.
Directed by Landon Van Soest.
Starring Ryan Hurley, Dillan Braybook, Holly Titmuss, Marc Cheverie, Heather Angka, etc.
6.5/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE
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