‘All We Imagine As Light’ Explores Intimacy and Connection Through Beautiful Visuals
All We Imagine As Light is the first Indian film in 30 years to compete at Cannes and the first ever Indian film to win the Grand Prix.
Despite not being selected as India’s Oscar submission this year, a very controversial decision, All We Imagine as Light contains the dreamlike visuals and incredible performances of an Academy Award nominee.
Director Payal Kapadia gives us this story of Malayali nurses Prabha (Kani Kusruti) and Anu (DivyaPrabha) plus their coworker, cook Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam) who all work together in a Mumbai hospital.
Prabha is married, but her husband lives abroad. Her loneliness grows stronger after she receives a new rice cooker from him, which only further reminds her of his absence. Manoj (Azees Nedumangad), a doctor at her hospital, is interested in her, but she rebuffs him and sticks to her more traditional beliefs.
Meanwhile, Anu lives a more modern lifestyle. She’s secretly in a relationship with Shiaz (Hridhu Haroon), who is Muslim, and the two search for little intimate moments amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy city.
The clash of tradition and modernization is further illustrated in Parvaty’s story. She’s facing displacement as a developer plans to demolish her home to build a high-rise.
The film explores themes of friendship, sisterhood, connection, heartache, hope, and disappointment all delivered through outstanding performances and breathtaking visuals. The cinematography and blue color palate give All We Imagine As Light a dreamlike quality that lets audiences linger in the internal character moments.
Most striking is the way it explores intimacy, both in terms of romantic relationships and close friendships. This is contrasted with the alienation that can be felt living in a big city and serves to highlight the bond between the women despite their differences.
This is a working-class women’s story told by a woman, which feels like a refreshing little treasure. Kapadia understands these characters and makes them people we connect with instantly, making the entire film a moving and beautiful cinematic experience.
