The 2025 Berlinale kicked off with the premiere of ‘Das Licht’ (The Light), directed by Tom Tykwer, known for ‘Run Lola Run’. The film follows a family falling apart in rain-soaked Berlin, with disjointed storylines and characters not fully developed. Despite a promising start, the movie fails to deliver on its ambitious themes, opting for superficial explorations of white privilege and abortion. The film’s saving grace is Tala Al-Deen’s portrayal of the enigmatic character Farrah, but even she falls into the cliché of the “Magical Negro” trope. Clocking in at 2 hours and 42 minutes, the film’s overstuffed plot and expository dialogue make it a tedious watch. The potential for horror or supernatural elements is squandered, leaving ‘The Light’ as a confused domestic drama lacking a clear direction. The finale twists the concept of light as a metaphor for a higher state of illumination and connection between life and death, but it feels like too little too late. The missed opportunity for a social-minded haunted house film is evident, especially considering the film’s release amidst a politically charged climate in Germany. Ultimately, ‘The Light’ fails to live up to expectations set by past Berlinale opening films, leaving audiences underwhelmed and craving a more engaging narrative. The film will premiere in Germany in March with European release dates to be announced.
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