#TIFF19: “THE LIGHTHOUSE”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Robert Eggers‘ second Feature takes place on a remote New England island where two isolated lighthouse keepers (Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson) attempt to keep their sanity.

Everything about The Lighthouse is sublime.

It merges multiple genres into one of the most enthralling and unforgettable filmgoing experiences of the year. The direction by Robert Eggers is impeccable from the spellbinding opening shot until the horrifying finale. These consistently engrossing scenes are aided by the beautiful black-and-white Cinematography by Jarin Blaschke and the all-consuming sound by Damian Volpe. The Screenplay written by Eggers and Max Eggers infuses themes of isolation and power within their purposeful and story-advancing 19th-century dialogue. Then there are the outstanding career-best performances from Robbert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe. Both performances give everlasting haunting effects long after the credits roll.

The Lighthouse screens at TIFF on Sat, Sep 7 at Ryerson Theatre at 9 PM and Sun, Sep 8 at Scotiabank Theatre at 7:45 PM.