'Ghostlight' is a Lovely Film about Grief, Family, and Theater

Theater helps you understand these emotions.

Ghostlight is a 2024 film. A grieving family is on its last nerve. One day, Dan discovers a small theater group. He becomes secretly involved in a production of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. This theater group helps the family resolve matters and find closure.

My heart melted and I was in tears after Ghostlight. Ghostlight is the most beautiful film about family, grief, and theater. One of the greatest parts of cinema is how it helps viewers resolve complicated situations. Ghostlight is an emotional and poignant story that uses the world of theater to its highest potential.

A real family plays the main family in Ghostlight. Keith Kupferer was cast first as Dan who then suggested his daughter, Katherine Mallen Kupferer for the part of Ellie. The directors then encouraged Tara Mallen to play Sharon. All three actors were tremendous and profound in their depiction of grief. It eats away at them in different ways, but mainly anger.

Grief is not an easy emotion to depict, but Keith Kupferer does an incredible job with his transformation. Dan lets anger consume him, making it difficult to interact with his family. Reluctant at first, Dan finds the right calling to be himself again.

I just saw Katherine Mallen Kupferer as Gretchen in Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. I am impressed with Kupferer’s range! Ellie is an outgoing, but troubled young girl. Kupferer gave this character an amazing personality and also conducted her emotions closely.

A small ensemble plays the group of actors in the theater group. Dolly De Leon, Hanna Dworkin, Dexter Zollicoffer, H.B. Ward, Tommy Rivera-Vega, Alma Washington, and Matthew C. Lee were memorable as quirky actors. They gave their characters distinguishable personalities and added hilarious moments to the story.

Ghostlight is one of the best representations of theater. Along with Theater Camp (2023), it’s important to recognize the power of theater. I’ve been involved with theater for most of my life and I wouldn’t be who I am without it. Everything displayed on the screen about this exotic world is true.

Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson did beautiful work on this film. Due to the strikes and budget constraints, they didn’t know if the film would work. With planning, everything came together and made a strong story. They implemented the show and don’t tell rule in a fantastic manner. Grief and theater are also highlighted in a genuine light.

They evaluated a commendable rendition of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. I didn’t like Romeo & Juliet when I first read it in middle school. Upon seeing a performance of it last year along with this movie, it’s given me new meaning. Romeo & Juliet is more than a love story. O’Sullivan viewed it from a contemporary angle for a new perspective.

O’Sullivan and Thompson deserve honorary praise for being one of the first films to showcase what an intimacy coordinator does. People have laughed at it, but it’s more important than you realize. This job has garnered more attention, especially since morals have transformed. They make sure actors are comfortable and set boundaries.

Theatre takes us out of our heads. It’s a safe space to talk about emotions, and reminiscent situations, and connect with people. The scene where everyone gives Dan a comforting hug is the most poignant moment.

Ghostlight is a lovely film. It was relatable and I also felt a sense of peace. This film is a must-see, so watch it in theaters or once it is streaming. It’s one of the best films I’ve seen.