Every year there is a critically acclaimed film that gets completely shut out of the Oscars. Often considered a frontrunner by all who see it, the strange way in which countries select their shortlist submissions and ultimately singular pick to represent them at the Academy Awards often shafts tried and true contenders. “All We Imagine as Light” is a victim of these shenanigans, being shelved by both India and France in lieu of other selections. I actually enjoyed both “Lost Ladies” and “Emilia Perez,” but not at the expense of something much more special and human like “All We Imagine as Light.” Films like this – that require reflection and meditation on its merits – are rare and far more evergreen than the splashy, loud, flash in the pan types of awards contenders.
It is a shame that “All We Imagine as Light” will only live on in the words and recommendations of those lucky enough to experience it, and I will do my best to drive eyes to this magnificent piece of cinema. It is, simply put, beautiful. Not just in its dreamlike and poetic cinematography that sweeps you away with its immersive yet quiet stillness juxtaposed against a bustling, swallowing city. But in its characters and their interconnected stories, in the soft humanity they share at different stages of life. Beauty in how intimate yet confident Payal Kapadia directs and executes her vision. Beauty in every frame, in every touching moment of self discovery and every shade of light that pierces the dark around them. “All We Imagine as Light” is a quiet slice of life film that bursts with serenity and honesty as it explores the lives of women in and out of love.
Written and directed by Kapadia, “All We Imagine as Light” follows 3 nurses working at a hospital in Mumbai. They are each at different stages of their life, with Prabha being reserved and uptight, longing for her husband who left for Germany shortly after they were married. Anu is young and full of life, and is carrying on a secret affair with a Muslim man whom she adores. And lastly Parvaty is the hospital cook, widowed and fighting against a developer that wants to demolish her building and may lose because she cannot claim any ownership of land. As their lives begin to intersect and their past and present seem to be coming to a head, the three women embark on a journey through life that will leave a profound effect on each of them. The film stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam and Hridhu Haroon.
There is such an earnestness at the core of Kapadia’s characters, a soul of the human spirit that is impossible quell and unfolds with absorbing intensity even as the narrative itself is grounded and quiet. “All We Imagine as Light” digs deep into the lives of fully realized women, demonstrating that modesty and stillness can be gripping and engaging. The restraint with which Kapadia confidently executes her vision is commendable and tricky, a balance of trying to tell an engaging story with little to no razzle dazzle or embellishment. It is as challenging to construct as it is to experience, and “All We Imagine as Light” does require some patience as it moves along through its range of emotions. New love, longing, defeat, anguish, redemption, forgiveness and hope are all present here, and it is stunning how much Kapadia is able to mine from such a simple story.
Ranabir Das’ cinematography is some of the most gorgeous I’ve seen all year, and I pit that against all 5 of the top contenders in the current Oscar race right now. It captures the hopelessly romantic but also burdensome longing of love in nearly every frame, and paired with incredible performances from its leads and Kapadia at the helm, “All We Imagine as Light” is one of the most beautiful films of the year. Mumbai has never felt so alive yet so suffocating, and the narrated poetry that speaks over its visuals is a marvelous glimpse of place rarely seen with such honesty. I am sucker for films that bring their city to life in ways that feel as if they are a character in the story itself, and “All We Imagine as Light” does that for Mumbai in truly profound ways.
It takes some effort to engage with and access, and I expect some to be put off by its dream like qualities and quiet, slow moving pacing. That’s not for all moviegoers even if the stories being told are universally relatable, but I can understand if the mood doesn’t strike you for something so mediative and thoughtful. But if you’re willing to let it take you, “All We Imagine as Light” is a beautiful, emotionally charged, enlightening piece of cinema that is funnier that expected, celebrates womanhood, and leaves you with a sense of hope I think we could all use right now.
I say it all the time: support international cinema as often as you can. Expand your film mind beyond your borders, and you’ll be treated to magnificent works like “All We Imagine as Light.”
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
“All We Imagine As Light” is playing select theaters. You can watch the trailer below.
