“The Light Between Oceans” is a 2016 romantic drama film directed by Derek Cianfrance, based on the novel of the same name by M. L. Stedman. The film is set in 1926 and follows the story of Tom Sherbourne, a World War I veteran who becomes a lighthouse keeper on a remote island off the coast of Australia.
Tom lives on the island with his wife Isabel, and the couple struggles with infertility and the pain of multiple miscarriages. One day, a boat washes up on the shore with a dead man and a crying baby inside. Against Tom's better judgment, Isabel convinces him to keep the baby and raise her as their own.
As the years go by, the couple raises the child as their own, but their happiness is shattered when they discover the child's biological mother is still alive. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of difficult choices.
“The Light Between Oceans” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the stunning cinematography and powerful performances, particularly from the lead actors, Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander. Others criticized the film for its slow pacing and melodramatic plot.
The film received several nominations, including a nomination for Best Original Score at the 89th Academy Awards. However, it did not win any major awards.
Overall, “The Light Between Oceans” is a poignant and emotionally charged film that explores complex themes with sensitivity and depth. It's a must-watch for those interested in romantic dramas and for those who appreciate films that explore the human condition.
Directed by | Derek Cianfrance |
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Screenplay by | Derek Cianfrance |
Based on | The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman |
Produced by | David Heyman Jeffrey Clifford |
Starring | Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Rachel Weisz, Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson, |
Cinematography | Adam Arkapaw |
Edited by | Jim Helton Ron Patane |
Music by | Alexandre Desplat |
Production companies |
Heyday Films DreamWorks Pictures Reliance Entertainment Participant Media Amblin Entertainment |
Distributed by | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (Worldwide) Entertainment One Films(United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand) Mister Smith Entertainment (EMEA) |
Release date | September 1, 2016 (Venice) September 2, 2016 (United States) November 1, 2016 (United Kingdom) |
Running time | 132 minutes |
Countries | United States Australia United Kingdom New Zealand |
Language | English |
Budget | $20 million |
Box office | $26 million |