The Lingering Presence of Loss: A Psychological Thriller Unveiled

Chilean cinema is poised to welcome a thought-provoking exploration of grief, identity, and the enduring impact of the deceased with Alberto Hayden’s latest directorial venture, A Black Light.Set to premiere on June 5th, the film delves into the intricate connections between the living and the dead, promising a cinematic experience that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating.

Synopsis: Echoes of the Past Resurface

At its core, A black Light centers on two individuals grappling with the weight of the past. Josefina, portrayed by Patricia Rivadeneira, is a woman consumed by the loss of her son. Her world is irrevocably altered when she encounters Jorge, played by Francisco Pérez-Bannen, a man who unexpectedly mirrors the void left by her son’s absence. This encounter ignites a cascade of emotions and unsettling questions, forcing both characters to confront the invisible threads that bind them to the past.

The film’s synopsis poses profound questions about the nature of memory and identity:

To what extent can we escape the invisible ties that tied us to the past? How do those who have left persist in the memory and identity of the living?

Jorge’s life takes an unexpected turn when a simple discovery reveals a deceased young man who shares his name and bears an uncanny resemblance to him. for Josefina, Jorge becomes an impossible reflection of her lost son, a spectral presence that reawakens her dormant grief. As their paths intertwine, Jorge finds himself increasingly consumed by an obsession with the past, blurring the lines between reality and memory.

Director’s Vision: Resonances of the Dead

Alberto Hayden’s inspiration for A Black Light stems from a interest with the enduring influence of the deceased on the lives of the living.He elaborates on this concept:

death implies the disappearance of the body, but the dead remain in several other ways. The question, then, is, how do the dead continue to exist, or how does what no longer exist?

This exploration aligns with broader cultural trends. According to a 2024 study by the Pew research Center, a significant percentage of adults report feeling the presence of deceased loved ones, highlighting the enduring power of grief and memory in contemporary society.

Casting Choices: Talent and Spirituality

Hayden emphasizes the importance of selecting actors who could embody the complex emotional landscape of the film.He notes:

We approach Pati and Francisco for their talent, but also on the reflective and spiritual side that both have. We believed that, from that place, they could be a tremendous contribution to reflect on the questions of the movie.

Specifically, Hayden highlights Rivadeneira’s ability to convey both vulnerability and enigma:

Pati has an intriguing thing in the way he moves, as well as in the face and look. There we saw something that could help us build an enigmatic character,and that inhabit the duel from different emotions,sometimes luminous,sometimes dark.

watch the Trailer

Get a glimpse into the haunting world of A Black Light with the official trailer: