By: Russ Matthews
Finding solace within the shadow of tragedy can come in different packages throughout the seasons of life.
Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan’s latest project Ghostlight is a quietly poignant and comical turn on the tragic tale of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Dan (Keith Kupferer) carries the world on his shoulders as he tries to manage his construction job, a rebellious teenage daughter, and a failing marriage. Yet, these all seem incidental compared to the personal tragedy involving their family in a lawsuit. As he wrestles with life’s issues, the blue-collar worker is invited to join a community theatre troupe performing Shakespeare’s famous tragic love story. As Dan’s life seems to crumble around him, this unexpected opportunity brings catharsis to his soul and family. Until the storyline of the play and the realities of life align in unexpected ways.
An Unexpected Joy
Discovering films like this one is an unexpected joy as it unassumingly creeps up on you and captures your heart. Ghostlight proves that great films aren’t dependent on big budgets or named stars to deliver a beautiful tale of love, grief, forgiveness and reconciliation. The brilliance can be found in the subtlety of the character development and the cast’s commitment to their roles. Keith Kupferer is so believable as the leading role that one might believe he just stepped off the construction site to fulfil the role. Yet, his character only works by the brilliance of including his real-life family, Tara Mallen and Katherine Mallen Kupferer. As his daughter in real life and on-screen, Katherine, in particular, is fantastic in her grieving and talented portrayal. The community theatre troupe is a beautiful cast of characters led by the effervescent and compelling Dolly De Leon (Triangle of Sadness).
Ghostlight tops the list of films in 2024 that audiences need to discover for themselves. This charming and emotional production will wash over you with an unexpected message of hope, sorrow, community, and familial redemption that cannot be missed.
REEL DIALOGUE: Who do we turn to when in grief?
One of the overarching themes found in Ghostlight relates to losing a loved one and dealing with grief. How do we keep on living? Who can we turn to when we find ourselves in despair?
Dan looks to the community of actors and his family to begin the healing process. Yet, God has a built-in community to help anyone with the issues of loss and grief. God’s family of believers (His ‘church’) is a great support and resource for anyone experiencing such pain. The Bible reveals that God is the one who comforts, heals and promises a brighter future for those who trust in His promises. All feelings of sadness and despair will be cleared away in the future.
Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.
All images: Movie publicity
About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.