All We Imagine As Light Review: Brilliant Portrayal Of Friendship, Existence And Acceptance
All We Imagine As Light – to sum up the movie in a sentence, it is life as it is. Yes, as real as you can get into life. You see life as it moves through people and the city. ‘All We Imagine As Light’, above other things, is a story of three women and their bonding, their friendship. You can view it as a little lite story in a big frame or as a big story in a little frame – does not matter because the movie, with tremendous ease, sends across a lot of messages, both, of the triviality and strength of life. It speaks of the lives of the ordinary or regular people, the troubles involved in a day to day life and of the little things they laugh about. Looking at it in a larger picture, it is about finding one’s self, of coming onto terms with what you are and what you want and of the most wrenching of questions – of existence at an individual level. The most beautiful part is that it ends at a beautiful note, of acceptance.
All We Imagine As Light is a remarkable exploration of life in its most genuine form, focusing on the bonds of friendship and the deeper questions of existence and self-acceptance. Directed by Payal Kapadia, this film revolves around three women—Prabha, Parvati, and Anu—navigating the complexities of urban life while seeking meaning in their everyday struggles.
The story weaves through the lives of these three women, each representing a different facet of resilience. Prabha, a nurse abandoned by her husband for over a year, suddenly receives a cooker from Germany, sent by him. She tries to make sense of things happening around her as she sticks to her values. Anu, a younger, vibrant nurse, brings a youthful perspective with a mix of wisdom and wit that her age allows. Parvati, facing the loss of her home to big developers, represents endurance and vulnerability. The relationship between Prabha and Parvati adds warmth and humour to the film, showcasing the strength of their bond amidst personal turmoil.
The performances by Kani Kusruti (Prabha), Divya Prabha (Anu), and Chhaya Kadam (Parvati) are exemplary, each character fully embodying the essence of their roles. The supporting cast, including Hridhu Harun as Shiaz, Anu’s boyfriend, and Azees Nedumangad as Dr. Manoj, also deliver solid performances, adding depth to the narrative.
Cinematographer Ranabir Das captures the essence of Mumbai without any embellishment, allowing the city’s natural shine and dullness to reflect the characters’ lives. His work adds a layer of authenticity, making the city as much a character in the film as the protagonists themselves. The subtle background score by Toshe perfectly complements the narrative, never overshadowing the film’s quiet moments but adding a gentle warmth throughout.
Despite its slow pace, which may deter some viewers, All We Imagine As Light triumphs in its exploration of existential themes and the quiet strength of its characters. Kapadia’s love for her craft is evident in every frame, making this film a powerful commentary on friendship, survival, and acceptance.
Premiered at Cannes and lauded by critics worldwide, the film has garnered international acclaim, including the prestigious Grand Prix and a spot on the Oscars shortlist. This is a film that touches the soul, reminding us of the profound beauty in ordinary lives.
