This film takes place in Chicago, Illinois. It is a tale about finding light and escaping during moments of turmoil. It proves that emotions can be portrayed outwardly and that some are stronger than many anticipate. Ghostlight brings its audience on a journey of deep thoughts. The storyline of a struggling father is the means of redemption in Ghostlight and one which Chicago natives will feel a bond with. Filmed around many areas of downtown, Chicagoans will feel the warmness of the city itself. They will especially recognize the theatre scene.

The film’s main character is Dan (played by Keith Kupferer). Dan is a construction worker and is dealing with grief and turmoil in his family. His daughter is Daisy (played by Katherine Mallen Kupferer), and his wife is Sharon (played by Tara Mallen). Dan finds himself dealing with conflicts and underlying issues with no resolution, so he decides to join a community theatre for a production of Romeo and Juliet. He thinks this will be an activity for distraction, but ultimately it foreshadows his own life as he is in character with rehearsals. Working with the mind of the theatrical director Rita (played by Dolly De Leon), Dan’s journey evolves into something more fulfilling than he had ever imagined.

The dynamics of resurfacing challenges are encouraging in Ghostlight, as Dan is faced with many days of having to think through hard choices for his daughter. His involvement in theplay is where his mind can think more poetically. Theexpression of that characterization is its message of brilliance in finding balance with what one is passionate about and how it can lead to more rewarding aspects of life. With the Shakespeare production, Dan’s finds that his emotions while being in character start to bring out the best in him. What happens on the stage carries over to his family life.

There is a feeling that Dan’s emotional path is leading him to let go of what is going on in his personal life and bring it to the dramatic irony in the community production of Romeo and Juliet. Feeling present is where the film finds the moments for Dan to have a sense of purpose. It is a triumphant and exhilarating ride that will touch the hearts of many.

This is a tale where the writing of the film is Dan’s life trying to use art in order to improve his mindset. This works not only for himself, but with his difficult conflicts with his daughter.  There are overbearing aspects to his hardship. The stage and his involvement are where he feels his sense of connection. Ghostlight is written to shed a unique light on the issues of boundaries and finding what is beneficial.

The direction of navigating and finding a balance is where Ghostlight is breathtaking. It reminded me of how much being involved in theater can change one’s life, especially for those who feel there is a hardship that is out of theiitr control. For Dan, his life is in a halting pattern, but the stage is his place of safety and sanctuary for his thoughts and finding rewarding moments. Despite the conflicts with his daughter, and the other issues, there is light and talent that can blend to bring forth empathy and happiness.

My love for Ghostlight lay in its portrayal of how putting effort into a craft can bring meaning to one’s existence in areas of artistry, fulfillment, mental health, and navigating life. There is a juxtaposition here between the stage and reality. Where does Dan’s life find its common ground? Is it with being involved in a production? Is it with his family? Ghostlight precisely navigates the conflicts of Dan with a continuity that is spellbinding.

The stage is the place of purpose in Ghostlight. The navigation of life for Dan is the world of possibilities he finds throughout the film itself. Ghostlight soars with an abundance of happiness, sadness, and acceptance through the heart of a man feeling that his thoughts truly matter. A revolutionary work of art that is diverse and compelling. Theater can truly change lives as it does in Ghostlight. Four out of four stars for Ghostlight.