The Light Between Oceans (Blu-ray) – Movie Review
Almost a hundred years ago, the first World War came to an end and left the world torn apart and in ashes. Some people had to get back into ‘normal’ life while also trying to survive in a world with decreased wealth and prosperity. On the other hand, there are people that just yearned to do something completely different. In The Light Between Oceans, you can experience a story of love and sorrow in a healing world.
We’re catapulted back in time to December 1918. The first World War has just ended and it has left quite some deep wounds in the hearts of many. Thomas ‘Tom’ Sherbourne (Michael Fassbender) is one of those wounded souls and he’s looking for some solitude and to do so, he signs up for a temporary job to light the lighthouse on the island of Janus. Before arriving to his so called safe space, he must stop in the town of Partageuse and meets Isabel Graysmark (Alicia Vikander). They are naturally drawn together and after some time they make the step and get married. Isabel moves with her husband to the isolated isle and although life seems hard at times, they’re rather happy. They’re overjoyed when they’re finally expecting a small gift of nature. On a stormy night, something goes wrong and their joy is replaced with deep sorrow.
Eventually, Tom and Isabel are blessed for the second time yet again nature decides otherwise. Isabel loses the child yet again, leaving her inconsolable and her energy and lust of life is fading every day. All of the sudden, a rowing boat washes ashore with a little baby and a deceased man. For Isabel, it’s a gift from heaven but this feels wrong for Tom. They decide to keep the baby girl and of course, Isabel’s father Bill (Garry McDonald) and mother Violet (Jane Menelaus) are thrilled with this news. Of course, this happy bubble can’t last forever and as you could expect, some tragic events will follow.
If you were looking for a fast-paced action movie with several explosions and deaths, you’re barking against the wrong tree. The Light Between Oceans takes its time to provide you with a detailed story so expect a rather lengthy movie. For some, it might go a bit too slow but the director wanted you to be able to submerge and let you feel the emotions and sorrow. You’ll have a rather good view of the relationship between Tom and Isabel and how the tragic events affect their bond. Although the scenes are nicely pictured and feels like one flow, some scenes feel a bit unneccessary at times.
Actor wise, there are quite some big names that worked on this movie like Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Rachel Weisz and it shows off. For instance, the scenes between Michael and Alicia feel so realistic and the emotions are palpable. Also, Rachel’s pain is written all over her face and actions, making it even more painful. These great performances give the movie that bit extra and makes it special. Of course, there are also joyful moments, balancing the theme of the movie but also putting you on an emotional rollercoaster.
There are two extras available on the Blu-ray. The first one will give you more details about the concept of the movie and the feeling they tried to emphasize while the other one is more informative about the functionalities of a lighthouse and the importance. If you were looking for some gag reels, you’ll be quite disappointed and to be honest it wouldn’t match the movie anyway.
Conclusion
The Light Between Oceans brings you the story of Tom Sherbourne, a soldier who experienced the terrors of war and is searching for some peace. You’ll be put into a rollercoaster of emotions, guided by some awesome actors like Rachel Weisz. After the tragic events during the war, you’re able to follow the stroy between two people who are madly in love but have to overcome some sad obstacles. If you’re looking for a more dramatic movie rather than an action-filled blockbuster, you should give The Light Between Oceans a thought.
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