What the Night Can Do

What the Night Can Do is an evocative drama film released in 2020 that intensely explores the themes of love, loss, family, hope, and resilience at the heart of human existence. With a strong and capable ensemble cast headed by Stuart Margolin, JoBeth Williams, and Mercedes Mason, this film expertly delves into the complex layers of the human soul, reflecting how courage and hope can help us navigate the darkest corners of our lives.

Set amidst the picturesque backdrops of rural West Virginia, What the Night Can Do tells the moving story of Luana, a young girl on the cusp of adolescence. Dealing with the tragic loss of her parents, she is spirited away to spend the summer with her caring grandparents in the pastoral serenity of Appalachia. The film unravels Luana's journey of navigating her grief while trying to adapt to her new surroundings and the complex realities of living with her grandparents, played brilliantly by Stuart Margolin and JoBeth Williams.

Mercedes Mason portrays Luana's aunt, a character who constantly flits in and out of the film. Her troubled relationship with Luana and her struggle to come to terms with the family tragedy provide additional depth to the narrative, making it heartbreakingly relatable.

The story veers its course subtly between the past and the present, weaving a web of nostalgia and hope that strongly tugs at the heartstrings. The audience is given a peak into the lives of characters dealing with their own personal difficulties once the sun goes down, hence the title What the Night Can Do.

Stuart Margolin's character of the grandfather is a deft mix of wit and wisdom. He provides a comforting yet eccentric presence that helps balance the emotional heft of the narrative. JoBeth Williams complements him perfectly with her portrayal of the loving yet stern grandmother, struggling to maintain her own optimism in the face of devastating loss, while also shoulder the responsibility of being an understanding grandmother to Luana.

While What the Night Can Do is centered around the journey of Luana, it's the whole ensemble cast that string together the narrative with their powerful performances. The film becomes a poignant exploration of how people assure their emotional survival by leaning into their personal traumas and forging renewed connections with those around them.

Among the notable features of the film is the expert cinematography, which enhances the emotional atmosphere of the film by capturing the beauty and isolation of the West Virginian landscapes in remarkable detail. At times, the countryside itself feels like a critical supporting character, reflecting and amplifying the emotional states of the characters.

The sound design and the background music work wonderfully in conjunction with the visual elements, eliciting the right emotions at the right moment. Whether it is the haunting silence of the night or the cheerful bird chirps breaking the dawn, sound plays a critical role in immersing the viewer in the world of the film.

Directed by Christopher Martini, What the Night Can Do is a compelling slice-of-life film that slowly unravels realities of life that are often left unspoken. The film doesn't shy away from exposing viewers to the raw, painful side of grief, but it also makes it a point to showcase the healing, transformative power of love, hope, and the human spirit. The result is a rich, empathetic narrative that stays with you long after the end credits have rolled.

In conclusion, What the Night Can Do is a film that strikes a chord with its heartfelt portrayal of grief, courage, and human resilience. It emphasizes on the fact that strength can be found in the face of loss and upheaval, helpfully reminding us of the transformative power of love and hope. By blending a captivating narrative with memorable performances and stunning cinematography, What the Night Can Do is a thought-provoking film that leaves a lasting impression.