Light of My Life
LIGHT OF MY LIFE - Saban Films
Light of My Life, written and directed by Casey Affleck, is the Academy Award winner’s second feature film and first behind the camera in a nine-year-long wait. Affleck's sophomore effort — narratively speaking — is a departure from his previous documentary exploit, focusing on an intimate dystopian thriller set in a world in which half of humanity has been wiped out due to a deadly pathogen.
The most substantial and compelling element of Affleck's sophomore film is the restraint and intimacy that is delicately produced in this haunting impactful feature. A dystopian survival horror in the same vein as The Book of Eli or even Mad Max, but with the realism and discipline of Debra Granik's Leave No Trace. Light of My Life is built within a world in which is not too far from our own in a realistic approach and pragmatic, an element that inhabits a far more engaging and intense momentum due to the familiarity of the setting in the circumstance of the characters.
A slow, steady and existential approach on life, adulthood and responsibility is explored in a profoundly compelling and riveting fashion. Often contextually uncomfortable and expertly convicted with a hint of humour and subtleness but equally as heartfelt in how Affleck delivers this relationship on-screen with Anna Pniowsky, who plays his daughter Rag. To Affleck's credit, there is a minimalistic approach to the usage of dialogue. Granted, it slows this almost two-hour feature down to points of frustration but allows the audience to thoroughly examine and appreciate the level of skill from both performers in their visual depiction of their respective characters.
Anna Pniowsky is a sure find for future success. As stated above, it is not a performance filled with the availability of delivering a staggering performance via dialogue. However, Pniowsky nails her role with a commanding screen presence and subtle nuances, crafting a character who contextually is learning and developing amid constant unknown terrors with outstanding conviction and versatility. Affleck is equally as compelling. His versatility and range are astounding, delivering a character with a beautiful warmth and texture to what could be simply an otherwise bit-part.
The film also looks extraordinarily good with delightful cinematography from Adam Arkapaw. A dark and dull aesthetic is employed to create the misery of a setting and thus world with the only colours remaining are that of Affleck and Pniowsky's characters. It is quite surprising that Affleck and cinematographer Arkapaw did not choose to shoot this film in monochrome. Granted it looks terrific, but it is crying out for even more of utter morbidity.
Light of My Life is released August 16, 2019.
