All We Imagine as Light (2024)

France, India, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands

Drama

petit chaos, Chalk and Cheese, ARTE France Cinéma, BALDR, Another Birth, Les Films Fauves, Pulpa Film

Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, Hridhu Haroon, Azees Nedumangad, Tintumol Joseph

Payal Kapadia

Payal Kapadia

NA

nurse, roommates, meditative

In Mumbai, Nurse Prabha's routine is troubled when she receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband. Her younger roommate, Anu, tries in vain to find a spot in the city to be intimate with her boyfriend. A trip to a beach town allows them to find a space for their desires to manifest.

Reviews:

Author: griggs79
_All We Imagine as Light_, a visually delicate exploration of intimacy, displacement, and the quiet search for connection, has earned the prestigious Grand Prix at Cannes. Set in Mumbai, the film follows the lives of three women working in a hospital as they navigate the complexities of their personal lives and fleeting moments of closeness. The film's serene atmosphere, like a gentle breeze, and ethereal cinematography create a meditative mood that resonates deeply with viewers seeking emotional introspection. Despite its accolades, _All We Imagine as Light_ feels more like a familiar echo than a groundbreaking work. It thrives on its quiet pacing and understated performances but leans heavily on well-trodden narratives. The story explores a short-lived, transformative period in people's lives without providing clear resolutions. While this might appeal to slower, more reflective cinema fans, it risks leaving others feeling they've seen this narrative too many times before. The film's lack of emotional depth can make its drawn-out pace seem unnecessary, leading some to question whether its ambiguous ending is an artistic choice or a narrative flaw. At times, _All We Imagine as Light_ feels ephemeral—beautiful, yes, but fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. Exploring a few months in each character's life is compelling, but the film struggles to find new angles on the well-worn theme of the void of human connection. The performances, though strong, need to elevate the material more to make it stand out as extraordinary. Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam bring authenticity to their roles. Still, their characters don't grow beyond their archetypes—estranged lovers, lonely workers, and outsiders searching for meaning. Ultimately, _All We Imagine as Light_ is a pleasant but slightly disappointing film. It lingers in the memory, not because it profoundly moves you but because it leaves you wondering if you've seen this story in another movie—perhaps better executed. It's a pleasant watch, offering moments of beauty and introspection, even if it doesn't fully live up to the fanfare.