‘All We Imagine as Light’ depicts the interrelationships and dynamics of female relationships in a very delicate way.
The film is about three women that broadly represent three generations living in Mumbai. The movie reminds us of all the dreams of many invisible women who come to Mumbai with the hope of improving their lives, but they struggle to belong to a place that refuses to fully embrace them. It is also about the systems of language, religion, caste, and class differences in India. The film also highlights how women remain invisible in India as they are filtered through a patriarchal mindset which fails to acknowledge them as individuals who are free to choose their desires.
Director Payal Kapadia traces the lives of protagonists as they search for connections. The character development is excellent, and it allows the audience to empathize with the characters’ journey of self discovery and confinement.
The cinematography is beautiful and the metaphors throughout are wonderful. For instance, the monsoon is personified as the audience views moments of relief from the heat but also the struggles with the storm, literally and figuratively. Mumbai itself symbolizes freedom and opportunities but the characters seem to be suffocated and trapped with traditional ways.
I really loved the films color palettes with shades of red, green and blue as it established certain atmospheres or moods within the film. Thus, the different colors innately represented the psychological or emotional states of the characters.
Overall, the film reminds the audience about hope, transformation and light as the title suggests. ‘All We Imagine as Light’ won the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and it continues to be recognized in the film festival circuits. I think it will be up for best international picture at the next Oscar awards! I recommend this movie!
*San Sebastian International Film Festival: All We Imagine as Light
Director: Payal Kapadia
