Into Invisible Light

Into Invisible Light is a Canadian film directed by Shelagh Carter and co-written by Carter along with Jennifer Dale. The movie features a talented cast that includes Jennifer Dale, Peter Keleghan, and Kari Matchett. The film presents an eloquently crafted, emotionally intense narrative that seeks to explore themes of love, loss, grief, redemption, and the power of human bonds.

Jennifer Dale takes center stage, playing the role of Helena Grayson, a woman who finds herself facing several dilemmas after her husband's death leaves her a rich widow. The film delves into Helena's life as she navigates through her bereavement, contemplating her past and her choices in life. Helena is a former playwright who gave up her passion and dreams of crafting scripts for love, opting instead for stability and security. The death of her husband, however, catapults her back into her past, and she starts rewriting a play she had abandoned over thirty years back.

As Helena tentatively attempts to pick up the various threads of her past, she is struck by a reunion that takes her by surprise. After three long decades, she crosses paths with her former lover, Charlie, played by Peter Keleghan. Charlie, during their unexpected meeting, expresses a desire to see Helena's unfinished play which she's been working on since her husband's death. This sets the stage for a series of events that draw both nostalgia and fresh turmoil into Helena's life. The dynamics of the relationship between Charlie and Helena act as a strong undercurrent, driving the narrative of the film forward.

With Charlie's entrance into her life, Helena finds herself tangled in a complex web of emotions, as she grapples with buried feelings of love, regret, guilt, and the uncomfortable realization of the possible impact her suppressed past might have on her present. Simultaneously battling grief and navigating the uncharted waters of resumed passion, Helena's character presents a convoluted person straddling past and present with unease.

Kari Matchett, playing the role of Helena’s confidante, brings balance to the narrative. Her character supplements the intricate oscillation of Helena's emotions with a calm understanding and companionship, adding depth to the whole plot.

Into Invisible Light is, at its heart, a poignant narrative of love and loss, yet its beauty lies in the intricate exploration of the complications and vulnerabilities that are inherently tied to these emotions. The film aims to capture the essence of human relationships, their innate complexities, and seemingly paradoxical traits – co-existing permanence, transience, strength, and fragility.

Prominently, it also deals with the concept of choices – our choice to love, to leave, to endure or to step away, to hold on or to let go. It reveals how our choices define our past, reclaim our present, and shape our future, reflecting an insightful portrayal of life, moving beyond the binaries of right and wrong.

The narrative is executed in the backdrop of a rather calm and serene atmosphere native to Winnipeg. The captivating natural settings – tranquil lakes, vast open fields, and clear blue skies – are striking in their simplicity but equally poignant. The grandeur of nature juxtaposed with the internal turmoil of Helena amplifies the metaphoric representation of human emotions.

Into Invisible Light does not only promise an engaging storyline but it offers a well-crafted screenplay, brilliant performances, and mature direction. Jennifer Dale’s performance as Helena is particularly noteworthy as she lends credibility and authenticity to her character with her powerful expression, maintaining the emotional intensity throughout the film. Peter Keleghan, as Charlie, delivers a balanced and believable performance, carefully maintaining the delicate charm of nostalgia.

On whole, Into Invisible Light is an emotional journey that compels the viewer to delve deep into the minds of its characters. It makes a lasting impression, encouraging self-reflection on themes of life choices, love, loss, and the inevitable passage of time. It is a film that resonates with the viewer, inviting them to reflect on their own lives and choices even after the end credits roll. A must-watch for those who appreciate intense emotional dramas and thoughtful narratives.