SDAFF 2023: Waiting for the Light to Change
San Diego Asian Film FestivalThe world is a confusing place. When one factors in the complex social dynamics found between individuals, the personal desires that lay within, and the morality and weight of actions, it is obvious that life would be messy and difficult at times. Linh Tran's debut feature, Waiting for the Light to Change, defines itself with this mess. Set during a week-long beachside getaway during a cold winter, the feature centers on a young woman named Amy (Jin Park). Having recently gone through a drastic weight loss, Amy is still finding her place and identity when she grows a connection with her best friend's boyfriend, Jay (Sam Straley). While Amy wants to stay loyal to her friend, the connection is undeniable and her desires begin to become more and more exposed, leading to a noticeable tension and frustration between friends.
Quiet, brisk, thoughtful, and honest, Waiting for the Light to Change is a special little feature that flows as its characters struggle for air against the weight of forces far outside their control. There is a vulnerability given to the film's dialogue and reflection that speaks to something real within the human condition that can only be expressed through the work of a talented eye and voice that isn't afraid to ask questions no one has the answers to. Rather than paint any individual within the film as a villain, the film decides on a far more mature path of treating each character as the victim of a tragedy. Amy doesn't want to be in the position she is in, in fact, she tries to fight it but there is no solution for the quiet and tender moments she shares with Jay and the wants that follow. Amy's friend, Kim (Joyce Ha), doesn't want the distance that forms between her and Amy but she can't stop it. Each character is forced to wrestle with their emotions as they get tossed around like grains of sand being hit by the tide. While the conflict and conversations are not always flashy, this more meditative soul only works to enhance the emotional venom within the feature as an undercurrent of regret and sadness broods.
This tone and style are in perfect synchrony with the film's setting. The brisk and quiet salty air creates a tangible sense of peace and thoughtfulness that is constantly broken by the movement and sound of the waves crashing into the shore. The film is distinctively cold; but is not robbed of color or vibrance. As the light dims, rooms light up with the powerful yellows and oranges of lamps that feel cozy and warm. This echoes the warmth found in moments of human connection against the frigid world. The cinematography by David Foy is crafted and precise in bringing these spaces to life and giving each frame a personality and emotion. Much of the film is spent sitting in these spaces, breathing with characters as they sit against the inner turmoil that surrounds them.
While some might hope for a grand outward expression to elevate the drama being experienced, Waiting for the Light to Change remains dedicated to its introspective reactions and combustions that only rarely bleed out. This is a wise move. Not only does this better reflect conflict in the real world, but it maintains the film's purpose. Waiting for the Light to Change is, ultimately, a film that wants to explore the unspoken conflicts and contradictions of the human experience. These are events that affect all, yet are rarely discussed or meditated on. While the film might not provide clear answers or solutions, it does showcase its themes beautifully and as a result, is one of the most powerful films of the year.
This is also undoubtedly helped by the performances which are all simply perfect. Forced to adapt to the film's melancholy voice, the performers are given a difficult task as they have to portray and conjure the weight of the emotions their characters are facing through smaller displays of emotion. While it would be easy to imagine most performers failing to accomplish this task, every individual within the film rises to the challenge and crafts effective performances that fit the exact role they need to play. It is clear that there was a sense of trust between the actors and the filmmakers with the usage of improvisation helping add to the authentic voice found in the dialogue.
Both thematically and technically, Waiting for the Light to Change is a stunning feature that is only made more impressive when one is reminded that it is Linh Tran's directorial debut. The film oozes confidence as it shows no fear in tackling complex and difficult themes and events without ever feeling forced or contrived. There is authenticity and maturity put into every frame and the film deserves to be rewarded for this effort.
