MOVIE REVIEW
All We Imagine As Light
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 55m
Director(s): Payal Kapadia
Writer(s): Payal Kapadia
Cast: Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, Hridhu Haroon
Language: Malayalam and Hindi with English subtitles
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: In the bustling heart of Mumbai, ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT plunges viewers into the lives of its characters with an intensity as vibrant as the city itself. The narrative unfolds through the directorial vision of Payal Kapadia, a filmmaker deeply rooted in the city’s soil, who captures the essence of Mumbai’s ever-shifting landscape.

At the core of ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT, we find Prabha (Kani Kusruti,) a nurse whose routine life is punctuated by a poignant reminder of her estranged husband’s distant presence. This disturbance sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery shared with her roommate, Anu (Divya Prabha,) who wrestles with the constraints of a life that doesn’t fit her, seeking fleeting moments of privacy wherever she can find them. Their character arcs lead them toward Ratnagiri, a city in India, where the serene shores starkly contrast their urban struggles, beautifully captured through Kapadia’s sensitive direction.

The film is an artistic experience rich with the textures of Mumbai’s bustling streets and quiet moments of personal reflection. Embracing her heritage, Kapadia paints the city with realism and idealism, making it a character as central as Prabha and Anu. The city's dual nature—a land of dreams and a battlefield of socio-economic challenges—is depicted with the cast and crew's keen eye for detail and dramatic nuance.

Kusruti and Prabha bring to life the nuanced layers of their characters, navigating through the complexities of independence and interdependence. Their performances underscore the film's exploration of personal identity against the outside world. This dynamic is further explored as the film shifts scenes from the chaotic pulse of the city to the tranquil vistas of Ratnagiri, using the geographical shift to deepen the exploration of its characters’ inner lives and the external forces shaping them.

Employing a blend of documentary realism and narrative fiction, Kapadia crafts a film experience that feels both grounded and authentic. Her use of guerrilla filmmaking not only adds an element of spontaneity but also infuses the film with a gritty and specific realism that aligns perfectly with its themes of survival and identity.

The production of ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT is a testament to international collaboration melding Indian and French cinematic styles. This partnership, developed over the years, reflects the dedication to crafting a story that resonates locally and globally. The meticulous editing process, initiated during a pause in the filming, allowed for the refinement of the story, ensuring that the characters' intertwined fates were portrayed with emotional depth and clarity.

As Kapadia’s first foray into fiction, the film weaves political and social commentary into its narrative, touching on caste, gender, and the invisible lines that divide societies. These themes are intricately linked to the personal stories of love and longing, highlighting the political nature of personal relationships.

ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT compels viewers to reflect on the intricate dance of fate, choice, and circumstance. This film is not only a significant addition to Indian cinema but also a compelling discourse on the power of film to mirror and mold societal perceptions. Through Kapadia’s storytelling and cinematic craftsmanship, the film resonates with anyone who has grappled with their identity and place in a rapidly changing world, making it a profound cinematic experience.

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[photo courtesy of SEPTEMBER FILM, CONDON, PETIT CHAOS, CHALK AND CHEESE, ARTE FRANCE CINEMA, BALDR FILM, ANOTHER BIRTH, LES FILMS FAUVES, PULPA FILM, LUXBOX FILMS]

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