Movies
"‘All We Imagine as Light’: One of 2024's Best Movie Picks"
2024-12-10
Some movies offer a mere external spectacle, while others draw us in completely. 'All We Imagine as Light' stands out as one of the latter. It's a film that immerses the audience in the lives of three Hindu women in Mumbai, each facing their own struggles.
"Experience the Intimate Lives of Mumbai's Women in 'All We Imagine as Light'"
About the Film
Payal Kapadia's masterpiece, "All We Imagine as Light," follows the lives of Prabha (Kani Kusruti), a head nurse at a hospital; Anu (Divya Prabha), who has a secret affair; and Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam), a recently widowed cook. Prabha's husband is in Germany through an arranged marriage. Anu is younger and more brash, while Prabha is older and more reserved. Parvaty is in danger of being evicted.The film is filled with moments that stay with you. For instance, Prabha's husband sends her a fancy rice cooker, and later, when Anu is asleep, Prabha steals away to the kitchen and hugs the rice cooker, showing her loneliness. Anu and her boyfriend's attempts at being alone are also hilarious, like when their plan with the burqa falls through on the subway.Eventually, Parvaty moves back to her coastal village, and Prabha and Anu go with her. They grow closer, and the audience is drawn in even more. The final scene, which calls back to an earlier moment with a boy and centers on the three women, is stunningly moving and happy.The Characters
Prabha is a complex character. She is a head nurse, but she also hides her own emotions. Her relationship with Anu is one of affection, disdain, and bemusement. Anu, on the other hand, is more impulsive and daring. She is having a secret affair with Shiaz (Hridhu Haroon), which adds another layer of tension to the story. Parvaty is a widow who is reluctant to accept help but eventually bonds with the other two women.Each character is brought to life by outstanding performances. Nedumangad, as the doctor with feelings for Prabha, is brilliant in his expressions during crucial scenes. The chemistry between the three women is palpable, making the audience care deeply about their fates.The City and Its Energy
The film is set in Mumbai, a city teeming with people and energy. The stunning views of the city, sometimes gritty and sometimes beautiful, add to the immersive experience. It's as if the audience is walking down the streets of Mumbai with the characters, feeling the pulse of the city.Themes and Emotions
"All We Imagine as Light" explores themes of loneliness, love, and the bonds between women. It shows how these three women, with their different backgrounds and personalities, come together and support each other. The emotions are raw and genuine, making the audience feel every moment along with them.In conclusion, "All We Imagine as Light" is a remarkable film that takes us on a journey into the lives of these three women. It's a must-see for anyone who appreciates great filmmaking and stories that touch the heart.