The Light Between Oceans (2016)

Directed by: Derek Clanfrance

Written by: Derek Clanfrance & M. L. Stedman (novel)

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, & Rachel Weisz

The Light Between Oceans is a very emotional film. 

Isabel (Vikander) has lost two children due to miscarriages while married to Tom Sherbourne (Fassbender), the man who takes care of the lighthouse.  After the loss of their second child, a small boat washes up to the shore of the lighthouse carrying a baby.  Isabel, thrilled, takes care of the child and convinces Tom to not report the child to the city.  After years of taking care of the girl, eventually they run into Hannah (Weisz), the biological mother of the child who has been convinced that her daughter is dead.  Dreaded with guilt, Tom has to decide whether he should confess to having the child or take that secret to the grave.

The film is shot in New Zealand, which is, to me, the most beautiful place on earth.  Therefore the scenery is gorgeous of the ocean, the lighthouse, and even the city, which was decorated to represent the 1920s. 

Besides the location, the camera shots were also beautiful.  They created a much greater love for the film and scenery.  Plus the film had a lot of showing, not telling.  For example, to show that Isabelle lost another child, rather than telling, there was a shot of where they buried the child.  The combination of the actors’ expressions and the symbolism made a greater sympathy for the characters.

Overall, I loved this film despite my multiple tears.  If you go see the film, make sure to have some tissues.  5 popcorns.