REVIEW: ‘The Light Between Oceans’

Conner Keesling | Contributing Writer

If you want to become really sad and let out a good cry, look no further than “The Light Between Oceans.” The film stars Michael Fassbender (“12 Years a Slave”, “Steve Jobs”) and Alicia Vikander (“The Danish Girl”, “Ex Machina”) and takes place in the past during post World War I.

“The Light Between Ocean” comes from writer/director Derek Cianfrance, known for “Blue Valentine” and “The Place Between the Pines.” He adapts the film from the novel written by M.L. Stedman. Cianfrance delivers another film that shows the importance of time and explores deep emotion within human relationships. 

Michael Fassbender plays Tom Sherbourne, a man who moves to Australia after fighting in Europe during World War I for four years. Looking for work, he becomes a lighthouse keeper on the island Janus Rock. It is after moving to Australia that Tom meets Isabel Graysmark (Alicia Vikander), who he falls in love with. The two marry and begin living on Janus Rock and try to start a family.

Isabel manages to become pregnant two different times, but tragically loses the babies in miscarriages. Not long after her second miscarriage, a baby washes up on shore in a small boat. Desperately wanting a child, Tom and Isabel decide to take the baby in and raise it as if it were their own. However, things become complicated for them when they discover the mother of their child is alive.

The cinematography for “The Light Between Oceans” is beautiful. There are so many stunning shots of the island’s landscape and surrounding ocean. Within the landscape, the film captures gorgeous shades of blue and pink. The cinematography portrays a cold but elegant past.

When Tom and Isabel’s lives are going well, the sun shines very bright, trying to burst through the windows of their home. I find Adam Arkapaw’s cinematography to be one of the film’s greatest strengths.

Fassbender and Vikander shine in “The Light Between Oceans”. The chemistry the two share is evident throughout the film. They create a relationship that feels real to the audience and the characters’ love for each other glimmers on the big screen.

The audience can feel every ounce of pain that Vikander exudes during the film’s final act. Fassbender communicates a great deal with his sorrowful demeanor without having to say them out loud. “The Light Between Oceans” contains two strong performances from Fassbender and Vikander.

The only big problem with “The Light Between Oceans” is that it drags a little about three quarters through the film. The film was moving at a consistent pace, but seemed to slow down once the stories plotline picked up significant momentum.

“The Light Between Oceans” is not a film for everyone. The film is for people who are fans of the romance genre and/or quiet, touching films. Not to mention, the film moves at a slower pace when compared to other films. “The Light Between Oceans” requires more patience than other films, but the audience is rewarded with a moving and tragic love story.