A Morning Light

A Morning Light is an independent sci-fi thriller film produced in 2015. The movie features talented actors including Zach Weintraub, Celia Rowlson-Hall, and Austin Will. The movie is set amid the tranquil and visually stunning wooded landscapes that often factor into tales of alien encounters.

The narrative primarily revolves around Zach (played by Zach Weinraub), who, without any obvious reason, packs up his life and leaves the hustle and bustle of a big city to temporarily stay with his cousin in a far-off, serene forest area. His cousin must then leave unexpectedly, resulting in Zach being left alone in the remote cabin. The natural setting then becomes a significant character in the movie, its silence giving a tantalising and eerie feel throughout.

Zach's solitude, however, does not last for long. His former flame Ellyn (played by Celia Rowlson-Hall) lands up at the cabin. An attempt to rekindle their relationship stumbles upon strange occurrences in the surrounding wilderness. Attention is paid to the look, the feel, and the sounds around them, fostering an atmosphere of the strange and unusual where one comes face to face with the unsettling unknown.

The film becomes an amalgamation of reality and strange occurrences, as Zach and Ellyn become increasingly aware of enigmatic anomalies in the course of everyday activities. The peculiar change in the behavior of wildlife becomes apparent, as well as inexplicable shifts in light and time patterns. Rather than hunting the unseen, the unseen seems to be observing them, subtly affecting their perceptions and human interactions.

Director and writer Ian Clark uses these elements to build a sense of escalating tension and uncertainty, taking the characters and the viewers alike on a mysterious journey of extraterrestrial exploration. The film treads carefully around the edges of the sci-fi and horror genres, subtly hinting at extraterrestrial life without devolving into clichéd, loud thrills that are often found in standard alien thrillers.

Where A Morning Light truly shines is in the way it humanises its central characters while they navigate the unfathomable circumstances. The decelerated pace allows viewers to invest in these everyday people, their relationships, their conversations, and their disillusionment when confronted by the bizarre happenings within the calming setting of the forest.

Woven into the storyline is a thought-provoking exploration of human perception and awareness of the world around us. It invites the audience to question their understanding of the universe and the existence of life beyond our planet.

In terms of movie aesthetics, A Morning Light leans heavily on stunning visuals and strikingly beautiful landscapes of Oregon forests, thanks in large part to the exemplary cinematography. The natural world takes precedence, playing an important character in itself. The film has an uncanny knack to unsettle the viewer subtly with the nature imagery interspersed with a heart-pulsing soundscape, only to amaze them with virtually out-of-this-world views the very next moment.

The triumph of A Morning Light is in its understatement. It refrains from the more common sensationalism attached to the aliens' concept. The film's narrative style is one of its kind, relying heavily on the environmental mood and the gradual build-up rather than stereotypical special effects or melodrama. The splendid performances from the lead actors Zach Weintraub and Celia Rowlson-Hall add a sense of realism and make the viewing experience more invigorating.

It is a film that promotes patience and rewards those who are game to ditch the traditional norms of narrative storytelling. With an intriguing blend of mystery, drama, and character-driven plot progression, it's a captivating watch for those who enjoy suspenseful thrillers grounded in reality yet not afraid to venture into the unknown.

All in all, A Morning Light is a thematic exploration of our relationship with the unknown, delivering a unique blend of alien encounter narrative and meditative character study, a far cry from the stereotypical alien encounter horror movies. While the film may not conform to everyone's expectations of fast-paced action-packed alien thrillers, it is a must-watch for viewers seeking a different perspective on possible extraterrestrial encounters.