Introduction - What Drew Me In
I stumbled upon All We Imagine as Light after hearing the buzz from international festivals.I didn’t except a grand spectacle- but what I got was something far more powerful: a quietly emotional film that doesn’t need to shout to be heard.
Plot Summary ( No Spoilers )
The story revolves around two nurses living Mumbai-prabha and Anu-each carrying their own emotional weight. When an unexpected trip takes them away from the city, their inner lives unfold. it’s a story of sisterhood, loneliness, womanhood, and the invisible lives many women lead.
Performances
The acting is unbelievably real. Chhaya kadam and Kani Kurusti don’t "perform"- they exist on screen. Their body language, pauses, even silences, say so much. This is some of the finest naturalistic acting I’ve seen in indian cinema recently.
Direction & cinematography
Payal Kapadia proves that filmmaking is art. Each frame is like a moving photograph.The use of dim light, everyday sounds, and tight spaces gives you an almost physical experience of their world. No loud background score. No overdramatization. Just pure storytelling.
What worked for me
• Pacing: Yes, it’s slow-but intentionally. it’s meditative.
• Emotional Core: You begin to care deeply about these characters without even realizing.
• Themes: silence, womanhood, migration, relationship-so subtly handled.
• Visuals: Mood-based lighting, minimal colors -it’s emotinally immersive.
What May Not Work for Everyone
If you’re looking for action, twists, or fast-paced drama, this might feel too minimal. But if you’re someone who enjoys film like court, The lunchbox, or A seperation, this is your cup of tea.
Final Words
All we imagine as light is not a movie- it’s a quiet companion.it makes you reflect on your own emotions, relationship, and the silent corners of your daily life. It deserves to be watched, felt, and remembered.
Rating ( My Personal Take ) :
• Acting 5/5
• cinematography: 5/5
• Direction: 4.5/5
• Sounds & Music: 4/5
• Engagemen level: 4/5
• overall: 4.5/5 - A slow-burn gem
Tag: All We Imagine as Light, Indian Art House Film, 2024 Hindi Movie, Indie Drama, Cannes Film, Mumbai-based Cinema