Ghostlight Is a Tiny Indie Film That’s Already Frontrunner for 2024’s Best

Ghostlight Is a Tiny Indie Film That's Already Frontrunner for 2024's Best

Summary

  • Ghostlight
    , made on an almost non-existent budget, is generating buzz as one of the best movies of 2024.
  • The film features incredible performances from a cast with real-life family connections.
  • Critics and early viewers are raving about
    Ghostlight
    , praising its emotional depth and storytelling.

As a movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in both blockbuster spectacles and indie gems, I must say that “Ghostlight” has left a profound impact on me. With its heartrending storyline, remarkable performances from its family-tied cast, and a budget that could barely buy a cup of coffee, it’s the kind of film that reminds us why we love cinema so much – the power to move, inspire, and heal.


Instead of rushing to mainstream cinemas for the newest blockbuster extravaganza, independent films have found a cherished niche within cinephiles’ affections. Gems such as Lady Bird, The Florida Project, and Frances Ha have left just as lasting an impression as any high-budget production. One remarkable aspect of these films is their unexpected emergence, creating a stir on the film festival circuit and earning mentions among the year’s best movies despite being produced with limited resources and marketing support.

The unexpected success of “Ghostlight,” a movie by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson made on a shoestring budget, has brought joy to many. Already being hailed as one of the year’s best films, this emotional rollercoaster through loss and grief has left critics and audiences spellbound. In this article, we delve into the film’s storyline, the buzz it’s generating, and where you can watch “Ghostlight” online.

Ghostlight Features an Incredible Cast

Dan Mueller, a construction worker, is grappling with deep sorrow after the heartbreaking suicide of his son, Brian. Alongside his wife Sharon and their troubled teenage daughter Daisy, he tries to navigate his grief. A volatile incident at work forces him to reconsider how he copes with his loss. Dan discovers solace in an unconventional setting when he becomes involved in a neighborhood production of the play, Romeo and Juliet, spurred by another actor in the show, Rita. Immersing himself in the role, Dan finds that the boundaries between his personal life and the play start to become indistinct, leading to tension with his family. This is compounded by a lawsuit involving Brian’s ex-girlfriend, Christine, over a wrongful death claim.

In the preparation for portraying the characters, it’s worth mentioning that a significant part of the authentic emotional response is due to the fact that some of the family members in the film are played by real-life relatives, with Dan, Sherry, and Daisy being portrayed by Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen, and Katherine Mallen Kupferer respectively. Although they have had modest careers on screen, primarily filling small roles, this casting fits perfectly for the film’s intended message and themes. The majority of the supporting cast consists of independent actors, with a few recognizable names included. Among them is Dolly De Leon, who rose to fame for her role as Abigail in Triangle of Sadness, but has also garnered attention for her performances in the Philippines. Ghostlight is directed by Kelly O’Sullivan (who also wrote the script) and Alex Thompson. This marks O’Sullivan’s debut as a feature-length film director, with Thompson having previously worked on independent films such as Rounding (2022) and Saint Frances (2019).

Buzz for the Indie Film Ghostlight

Ghostlight Is a Tiny Indie Film That's Already Frontrunner for 2024's BestGhostlight Is a Tiny Indie Film That's Already Frontrunner for 2024's BestGhostlight Is a Tiny Indie Film That's Already Frontrunner for 2024's Best

The low-budget film “Ghoslight” has captivated both critics and audiences who have had the chance to watch it. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts a 100% fresh rating based on 89 reviews and an impressive 95% score with over 250 viewers. The movie made its debut at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2024, and has since garnered success on the festival circuit. Notably, Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson won the Best Director award at the Seattle International Film Festival, while Keith Kupferer took home the Best Actor prize. Additionally, it was chosen as a Festival Favorite at the SXSW Film Festival.

It seems that critics have been praising the film Ghostlight, which is being considered as a contender for the best movie of 2024. Sarah Michelle Fretters from Movie Freak awarded it a perfect score of 4 out of 4, commending that “O’Sullivan’s script seamlessly blends two realms together, and by having Dan portray Romeo through the perspective of a grieving father, the director delves all characters into deep, emotional abysses they cannot escape.” She concluded her review assertively, stating that “Ghostlight is one of the year’s top films.” Similarly, Brent Simon from the AV Club also gave the movie an ‘A’ rating, describing it as a “straightforward, nostalgic, healing tale about the personal journeys of grief that we all must embark on.”

As a movie buff, I’ve been thrilled by the positive responses to “Ghostlight”. Bromley D, a verified user, said it was a powerful and poignant film about a family grappling with the loss of a loved one. He described it as a stunning gem, brimming with humor, drama, and raw emotions. Similarly, Tim G, another verified viewer, found it to be a beautiful, honest, heartbreaking tale, calling it yet another treasure of a movie. Across the online community, there’s been a chorus of praise for this film.

Where Can I Watch Ghoslight?

Ghostlight Is a Tiny Indie Film That's Already Frontrunner for 2024's BestGhostlight Is a Tiny Indie Film That's Already Frontrunner for 2024's BestGhostlight Is a Tiny Indie Film That's Already Frontrunner for 2024's Best

Ghostlight” offers an intensely moving journey delving into topics such as mourning, recovery, and the transcendent influence of creativity. For the screenplay, O’Sullivan sought inspiration from her personal life events, pondering the significance of unity in times of individual distress. The production boasts a remarkable ensemble whose genuine family ties perfectly complement the storyline’s various themes. Numerous viewers will likely forge a deep emotional bond with this work, resonating both in its presentation and the intricate aspects of life it sensitively portrays. You can stream “Ghostlight” on AMC+ starting August 30.”

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2024-08-19 05:01