Screenplay by Kelly O’Sullivan
Directed by Kelly O'Sullivan and Alex Thompson
Vendetta Films
In Cinemas from October 10
Reviewed by Len Power 2 October 2024
Performing in live amateur theatre, people often discover a tremendous sense of community and even healing as they strive for a common goal. While analysing the characters they are to play or interact with, they can find themselves confronting their own desires and fears.
“Ghostlight”, centres on Dan, a melancholic middle-aged construction worker grieving over a family tragedy. Cut off from his devoted wife, Sharon, and talented but troubled daughter, Daisy, Dan finds comfort and community in a misfit company of amateur actors. While moonlighting in a low-rent production of Shakespeare’s tragedy, “Romeo & Juliet”, Dan is forced to confront his buried emotions.
Touching and at times gently funny, this is a story of a family shattered by tragedy and how they unexpectedly begin to recover. Real-life acting family Keith Kupferer (Dan), Tara Mallen (Sharon) and Katherine Mallen Kupferer (Daisy) play these family members with tenderness and authenticity. Keith Kupferer gives a particularly intense and powerful performance as father and husband, Dan, a man who initially finds it difficult to get in touch with his feelings until confronted with his onstage character’s reaction to the death of a much-loved person.
Tara Mallen and Katherine Mallen Kupferer as mother and daughter also give fine, believable performances. Dolly De Leon as Dan’s co-star in the play is nicely quirky and strong, while the performers playing unskilled amateur actors struggling to find their characters in the play are both funny and real.
Watching this family coming to terms with tragedy bit by bit is moving and cathartic. It’s quite intense as we feel the pain of these people and share their joy at the end.
The sensitive subject matter is nicely directed with great sensitivity by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, making this a highly memorable film.
Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs and published in his blog 'Just Power Writing' at https://justpowerwriting.blogspot.com/.