Ghostlight: A Haunting Exploration of Grief and Empathy

As I sat in the darkness of the theater, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. The ghost light, a beacon of safety in the blackness, seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. It was as if the very spirits of the stage were watching me, waiting for me to surrender to the magic of the performance.

The film Ghostlight, directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, is a masterclass in subtlety. It’s a slow-burning exploration of grief, empathy, and the transformative power of performance. At its core, it’s a story about the human need for connection, and the ways in which we find solace in the most unexpected places.

The film follows Dan, a construction worker who stumbles upon a local theater production of Romeo and Juliet. As he becomes embroiled in the world of the play, he finds himself confronting the demons of his past, and learning to open up to the people around him. It’s a journey that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable.

One of the most striking aspects of Ghostlight is its use of performance as a form of possession. The actors on stage are not just reciting lines - they’re channeling the spirits of their characters, allowing themselves to be fully inhabited by the roles they’re playing. It’s a process that’s both exhilarating and terrifying, as the boundaries between reality and fiction begin to blur.

The cast of Ghostlight is uniformly excellent, with standout performances from Keith Kupferer as Dan, and Dolly De Leon as the veteran actress Rita. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, and the sense of community that develops among the cast is genuinely moving.

As the film unfolds, it becomes clear that Ghostlight is not just a story about grief and empathy - it’s also a celebration of the power of art to transform and uplift us. The film’s pacing is deliberate and measured, building to a climax that’s both heart-wrenching and life-affirming.

In the end, Ghostlight is a film that will haunt you long after the credits roll. It’s a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there’s always the possibility for connection, for growth, and for transformation. It’s a film that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately, feel seen.

A moment of magic on stage

The tragic lovers take center stage

The film’s haunting poster