To Keep the Light

I've never written a review of a movie, but seeing as To Keep The Light is one of my new favorites...this slow, beautiful film is quiet yet has so much happening beneath the surface as Abbie tends a lighthouse and sick husband on the coast of Maine. (Something about the pace and tone reminded me of another favorite, Dear Frankie, also a subtle film where everything isn't spelled out for the audience.) The last line absolutely gave me chills. I don't often rewatch movies, but I will watch this one again and again.

So many great things about this film. Beautifully told narrative weaved around a gorgeous soundtrack. The lead actress delivers a quiet yet masterful performance, also light houses! They have this ability to embody a poetic backdrop which really works for films in my opinion.

This film is a vivid rendering of the inner lives of women whether in the 19th, the 21st or centuries long before. Erica Fae's script, viewpoint, direction and portrayal all hit the bull's eye. I especially appreciated her depiction of the pantheon of roles women are required to play in order to survive with our dignity, sanity and self-respect in tact. - Thank you!

To Keep the Light (2016) was written and directed by Erica Fae. After we saw this astonishing film, I checked on IMDb to find out the name of the extraordinarily talented star of the movie. It was Erica Fae!

The story--about a lonely women who is a lighthouse keeper--is well scripted. The direction is wonderful. However, what struck me most was the incredible acting of the protagonist. When I learned that Erica Fae starred in her own film, I couldn't believe it. (In fact, I checked it out using Google Image. Same person.) Other directors have directed themselves, but bringing out such a bravura performance is simply incredible.

The movie's plot is interesting. Apparently women really were lighthouse keepers--sometimes officially, sometimes not. Matters concerning the sea were obviously very important in 19th Century Maine. Keeping a lighthouse in operation was a major responsibility. One look at Erica Fae, and you know she can do the job. However, all is not what it seems. The plot doesn't go where you expect it to go. I guess we can thank scriptwriter Erica Fae for that innovation.

We saw this movie in Rochester's truly excellent Little Theatre. It was shown as part of wonderful High Falls Film Festival: Celebrating Women in Film. The interpersonal aspect of the plot will work well enough on the small screen, but you'll lose some of the spectacular scenery of the Maine coast.

To Keep the Light has an extremely high IMDb rating of 7.8. The problem is that less than 20 people have rated it. I'm the first reviewer. My suggestion is that you find a way to see this movie, rate it, and review it. The film is a masterpiece--we have to get the word out so people will realize how good it is.

The film is a powerful statement about the determination of one woman to create her own destiny. It is visually stunning and pitch perfect in both story line and in the austere acting which complement the barren Maine island where most of the action occurs. Ms. Fae, wrote, directed and starred in this wonderful, feminist film which has taken a host of awards. I hope she will have a long and productive career as we cannot wait to see her next production.