Be the Light

Set against the backdrop of a small town in the east coast, "Be the Light" is a 2020 release that takes viewers on an unforgettable journey of love, redemption, and healing. Directed by Malcolm J. Goodwin and starring Cara Santana, Malcolm Goodwin, and Michael DeLorenzo, the movie offers a heartwarming tale where the power of faith, music, and community converge in an emotional narrative.

"Be the Light" introduces us to Celina Padilla, a down on her luck singer-songwriter played by Cara Santana, who has been striving to find her stride in the world of music. Trying to escape from her troubled past, she makes her way back to her childhood town and begins to put her life back together, one day at a time. Life, however, takes an unexpected twist when she discovers a contract left behind by her father, stipulating that she must produce a large-scale community theater musical within a pre-set deadline in order to inherit his small fortune. Despite facing numerous pressures and having limited resources, she takes on the challenge enthusiastically.

Despite her daunting task, Celina rides on the waves of skepticism with an unwavering determination. Through the process, she dips into her reservoir of memories and music, centering the lives of those around her with her infectious passion for art. As a former music sensation with a colorful past, Santana delivers an arresting and genuine performance, making her character relatable and real, validating the authenticity of the narrative.

Played by Malcolm Goodwin, Celina's love interest Sam, a strong yet sensitive man, he is the perfect mirror to Celina's courageousness and perseverance. Sam runs a construction company and lives a rather detached life, having faced his share of hurdles in the past. His trajectory changes when he meets Celina, making him question his outlook towards life. This dynamic of their relationship adds a captivating layer to the film.

Michael DeLorenzo, as Celina's estranged father, delivers a nuanced performance, bringing out the complexities of a parent-child relationship. The character’s internal struggles and troubled history construct a compelling subplot that ultimately adds depth to the story. It is through him that we get a glimpse into Celina's turbulent past and the rift that drove her away from her hometown.

The movie excels in its ability to embed musical elements throughout, with notable songs that perfectly tap into the emotions of the characters and reflect the sentiment of various scenes. The creativity and precision with which music is utilized hint at the powerful influence it holds in their lives, giving an entrancing presence to the narrative.

The small-town setting is another central character that brings a unique charm to the narrative. Besides being a sanctuary for Celina, it is also a battlefield where she confronts her past and faces her future. The community in this town, with all its quirks and eccentricities, forms the heart of the narrative, its involvement in Celina's mission brings about a transformation within themselves and the town as a whole.

"Be the Light" beautifully conveys that everyone can shine in the darkness and bring about change no matter how overwhelming the circumstances may seem. It emphasizes the power of community, mutual understanding, and the transformative ability of the arts. It captures the resilience of the human spirit, shows the beauty of forgiveness, and the profound power of connection. It gently reminds viewers not to lose sight of the light that resides in each of us, the light that has the potential to influence and bring about a positive change.

Anyone who enjoys a movie that captures the essence of the human spirit, uplifts, inspires, but also realistically shows the challenges and roadblocks that life throws on our path, will find "Be the Light" a captivating watch. It isn’t just a family-friendly movie, but a beautiful testament to the power of perseverance and the unparalleled force of community.