Ghostlight (2024) Official IFC Films Trailer
When Emotion Meets the Spotlight
As much as people crave a bit of sensibility in their lives, many also seek moments and outlets for their suppressed emotions, often found in creative expressions that emerge from varying human experiences. Theatre, one of the oldest artistic forms, holds a special place as a deeply emotional and vulnerable medium for people to express themselves. It provides an opportunity to confront feelings and to play a fictional role that allows for personal exploration and understanding. Ghostlight (2024), directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, encapsulates this notion beautifully, as the film follows Dan Mueller (Keith Kupferer), a construction worker grappling with the complexities of fatherhood and grief after the tragic death of his son, Brian. Faced with mounting pressure from a wrongful death lawsuit against Brian’s ex-girlfriend, Dan finds himself and his family spiraling until an unexpected encounter with a community theater leads him to step into the role of Romeo in Romeo and Juliet. As the story unfolds, the film reveals the profound impact that art and community can have on introspection, particularly in navigating the heavy terrain of grief. Through the experiences of Dan, his daughter Daisy (Katherine May Kupferer), and his wife Sharon (Tara Mallen), Ghostlight showcases the power of performance and that in the act of creation, there lies a path of redemption for everyone.
The film was produced by IFC Films and released on June 14, 2024.
Trigger warning for mention of suicide.
Grief on Stage
The plot of Ghostlight is deceptively simple, yet it artfully weaves a sense of mystery that mirrors the layers of a Shakespearean play. It’s a quietly compelling film that almost hums in the background of one’s thoughts—a film experience that depends more upon reflection than one-and-done commentary. The tone strikes a delicate balance, with heartbreak and sorrow intertwining with the theme of community fostered by theater and the arts. Ghostlight wants its viewers to feel the innocence and excitement of those first moments stepping onto a stage but also to find themselves transformed through that experience. Impressively, this is executed quite well, and the film’s pacing respects the emotional gravity of its themes without dragging, allowing the plot and character arcs to unfold organically over its hour and fifty-minute runtime.
This is perhaps one of the strongest drama plots observed in recent indie films, as it invites viewers to connect with the diverse experiences of each character, almost like fellow actors interpreting a scene from different perspectives. While the journey predominantly follows Dan, the narrative expands to encompass the struggles of Sharon and Daisy, effectively illustrating how grief can affect their everyday lives, thus amplifying Dan’s inner turmoil. Furthermore, the film offers a subversive take on Romeo and Juliet, inviting audiences to reflect through a father’s lens on love’s tragic dimensions. Dan’s attempts to understand his son’s suicide—a choice seemingly motivated by love—force him to reconcile his own feelings of loss with the broader implications of such decisions, adding layers to both the character and the narrative. This multi-faceted approach not only adds depth to the narrative but also reinforces the idea that healing often requires a collective effort—much like a well-rehearsed ensemble cast.
A Talented Ensemble
Characters truly make or break a film, and in Ghostlight, the performances are nothing short of captivating. Each actor brings their all, immersing themselves in their roles with a dedication that enhances the film’s emotional depth. The script was thoughtfully tailored by screenwriter Kelly O’Sullivan for Keith Kupferer, who portrays Dan, and the casting of his real-life daughter, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, as Daisy adds an additional layer to their dynamic. The chemistry between them is strong, allowing audiences to feel the weight of their shared experiences both on and off the screen.
Tara Mallen, portraying Sharon Mueller, in particular delivers a heartbreaking performance that embodies a mother’s grief with authenticity and nuance. Her portrayal prompts the audience to explore the pressures placed on women to bear emotional burdens, often at the expense of their own well-being. As Dan comes to a painful realization about the pressures he has inadvertently placed on Sharon, Mallen’s performance provides a moment of catharsis, allowing her character to finally breathe and reclaim her sense of self.
The supporting cast shines brightly as well, with Dolly De Leon’s portrayal of Rita standing out among the charming cast. Rita’s passion for theater and her struggle with self-doubt and societal judgment resonate deeply, offering a glimpse into the lives of those navigating the precarious line between ambition and acceptance, specifically in relation to creative careers. De Leon’s vibrant energy and emotional openness make her a memorable presence, adding dimension to the film’s central themes.
Lenses and Layers
The cinematography in Ghostlight is refreshingly simple and clean. Shot and edited in just one month, the tight production timeline is impressive, especially considering the stunning visuals created within such constraints. Set in a small town, the film largely utilizes a few key locations, and this focus on intimacy allows audiences to immerse themselves fully in the characters’ lives. One of the standout shots occurs when Dan and Rita are performing the infamous scene from Romeo and Juliet where Romeo discovers Juliet seemingly lifeless and decides to end his own life. The irony of this moment unfolds beautifully under the glow of the ghost light—a single light that illuminates the conceptually empty theater. In this context, the ghost light illuminates not only Dan and Rita’s performance but also metaphorically references the son Dan and Sharon lost, a moment that no one else can share but those under its glow.
The music further amplifies the emotional landscape of the story, gradually coming in moments of solitude where characters pause in contemplation. These quiet scenes, which might initially seem prolonged, ultimately serve to deepen the film’s dramatic tension. The camerawork is unobtrusive yet effective, allowing the story’s themes—particularly the juxtaposition of Dan and Rita playing Romeo and Juliet against their own realities as older individuals—to resonate. Despite the film’s budgetary limitations and the logistical challenges posed by the pandemic, Ghostlight emerged as a powerful testament to artistic collaboration, with local community theaters even contributing costumes and resources throughout its production. The end result feels authentic and grounded, capturing the spirit of community and creativity that fuels both the production and the story being told.
Art as Evocation
Ghostlight is a movie that can be a challenging watch, particularly for those who have experienced the loss of family and friends to tragedies like suicide. However, it is a story that deserves to be shared to honor the memories of those who have passed and ensure their lives are never forgotten. Additionally, it serves as a lens through which to understand the grief of those left behind, even when definitive answers surrounding their pain may remain elusive. The reimagining of Romeo and Juliet within this narrative provides a powerful framework to explore such sensitive themes, illustrating that while life can be hard, it is crucial not to isolate from the ones cared about. It emphasizes that creative expression serves as a vital mechanism for processing complex emotions, while also highlighting the importance of the individuals behind such artistic endeavors who can help. Ultimately, Ghostlight is about taking the first steps toward healing and connection, encouraging audiences to embrace their grief and foster relationships through the shared experience of art and storytelling.
Ghostlight (2024) can be found streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
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Author
Arionna Thomas is an undergraduate student pursuing a BA in Communication and a minor in sociology. She is a freelance writer, mystery film buff, and the producer and co-host of her campus podcast, ???? ????: ? ??????? ???????.
Cailen Fienemann is a current student at Le Moyne College pursuing her BA in English and Communications with a film studies minor and a creative writing concentration. Though uncertain about her career end-goals, any job that allows her to write is a cherished one indeed.