Half Light

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Melanie H @Mellylouch Jan 4 Half Light is an uneven film that mistakes atmosphere for depth. The story feels rushed yet oddly stagnant, offering very little character development to support its emotional stakes. Demi Moore’s performance is lacklustre, never fully grounding the grief the film depends on, while the dramatic coastal scenery does much of the emotional heavy lifting the script avoids. Tonally, the film can’t decide what it wants to be — jumping awkwardly between grief drama, gothic ghost story, and psychological thriller without earning any of them. The result is a disjointed viewing experience where pacing problems and abrupt tonal shifts undermine what could have been a compelling exploration of loss. Instead of psychological cohesion, the film relies on mood alone — and mood isn’t enough. See more jacehtc01 Nov 27 I thought the plot, suspense, and twist were well done. The movie definitely gave me literal chills. I felt Demi's acting was a bit flat, but everyone else was on point. A bit slow at times, but recommendable for sure. See more Garry A @heavyg Sep 13 I really, really tried to stick with this movie. I periodically fast forwarded it. The score was so awful. See more Betty H Jun 23 Why would the author of this plot give the protagonist the same name as another famous writer?. I kept expecting something about environmentalism! See more Matthew D @OceanSage 01/03/2025 Demi Moore delivers some of her strongest dramatic acting in Half Light! Director Craig Rosenberg’s romantic mystery thriller Half Light (2006) is quite beautiful with vast Scottish island vistas and the lovely Demi Moore dejected after the drowning death of her 5-year-old son. Rosenberg deftly blends romance, horror, mystery, drama, and thriller elements. His direction bears a maturity, elegance, and gentle sympathy for Demi’s heroine suffering from grief over her child’s untimely demise. It’s got an eerie and deeply romantic atmosphere, yet simply works by just following Demi Moore the entire time, so we’re always emotionally connected to her thriller novelist with a curious nature. Half Light is mesmerizing, passionate, mysterious, and melancholic. Writer Craig Rosenberg’s tender script feels thoughtful, ominous, and warm with a clear consideration for how his heroine feels, while also leaving clues and Red Herrings all over Half Light’s mysterious Scottish surroundings. I found it very romantic and affectionate with a delightfully earnest tone. Half Light is a strange combination of Ghost, Gaslight, The Sixth Sense, The Shining, The Lighthouse, Eye of the Needle, The Banshees of Inisherin, The Wicker Man, and What Lies Beneath. Editor Bill Murphy letting conversations flow gently and only cutting to smooth flashbacks or creepy imagery craft an unnerving tone that can still feel resonant. The montage comparisons to Demi Moore writing and her child playing are haunting. Half Light is a stunning film with many of cinematographer Ashley Rowe’s greatest close-up and medium shots just being the Scottish Isle winds blowing Demi Moore’s brunette hair all over the place to reveal her radiant hazel green eyes. The focus on hands typing, eyes locking into another’s, hair blowing everywhere, and waters ever splashing is enthralling. Demi Moore herself is impressive as grieving thriller author Rachel Carlson, who goes on a retreat to a Scottish cottage as she’s inconsolable and wracked with guilt over her son’s accidental drowning in the sorrowful opener. Moore is captivating as every moment hinges on her melancholy feeling real and deeply felt. Her sad expressions feel pensive like Rachel is always lost in thought. Demi Moore honestly delivers perhaps her strongest and most natural dramatic acting performance in Half Light. It’s instantly one of my favorite films of hers. She also looks effervescent throughout Half Light. Hans Matheson is very charming, intriguing, and handsome as the inviting lighthouse in Scotland named Angus McCulloch. He has amazing romantic chemistry with Demi Moore. Some of the nicest scenes are just them gazing into each other’s eyes or conversing as they walk around the isle. Henry Ian Cusick is loathsome as Demi’s jealous ex-husband Brian, full of greed and disdain for his former wife. Kate Isitt is fascinating as the insightful Sharon Winton. I found her quite compelling in her supporting scenes. James Cosmo is very friendly and warm as the welcoming Scottish Police Sergeant Finlay Murray. He’s just so nice to Demi Moore, that you’re immediately happy to see him appear again. Joanna Hole is great as Finlay’s pleasant, but skeptical wife Mary Murray. Michael Wilson’s curious and concerned Reverend James McMahon is a neat touch. I was really struck by the incredible soft lighting and shadow use for a random thriller that looks immaculate in comparison to modern movies. The serene wide shots of waves crashing onto quiet beaches and wind blowing fields of grass melt into a visual painting of tranquility for Half Light’s backdrop. Composer Brett Rosenberg’s film score is tremendously romantic with sweeping melodies of lush piano playing soaring across these lonesome Scottish fields. I kept thinking about The Piano score for a similar hauntingly dark romantic soundscape. Costume designer Ruth Myers provides warm sweaters and jackets for Demi Moore for a cozy aesthetic to Half Light. Makeup artists Erin Ayanian, Alison Rainey, and Gemma Waugh do really pretty natural looking looks for Demi. She really shines here. Demi Moore and Hans Matheson’s flowing hair looks astonishing by hairstylists Tara Smith and Gemma Waugh. In all, Half Light is a dreamy delight for 110 minutes with Demi Moore on an idyllic Scottish island. See more Valerie K 09/15/2024 I actually enjoyed this movie. It has beautiful scenery, a nice soundtrack, and a good story with some plot twists. I've watched it several times now. See more Read all reviews

Half Light

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