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Hold the Lighthouse

Synopsis

A septuagenarian and his 8-year-old grandson are isolated in a small village in Gaspesie. The grandfather’s Alzheimer progresses and feel a certain attachment to his love, his wife, a memory that lasts. She stays in his mind, while the rest crumbles. The grandson tries his best to be a support, a safe place, for his grandfather as the film of his memory slowly burns.

Review

5/5
A poignant experimental drama that delves into Alzheimer’s disease.
Written and directed by Thomas Soto, ‘Hold the Lighthouse’ is a short experimental drama film that explores the relationship between a child and his aging grandfather. The film stars Jacques L’Heureux, with Édouard Biron-Laroque as young Jacob. The poignant narrative delves into themes of grief, loss, love and dementia. An outstanding drama that will bring a tear, or two, to the viewer. The film is produced in the French language with English subtitles.

The 9-minute film centers around Jacob and his grandfather, who are isolated in a remote Canadian village. The narrative focuses on the activities they share together, intertwined with emotional moments of mental confusion – sparked by Alzheimer’s disease. The short examines their shared grief and the boy’s puzzlement with his grandfather’s illness.

Hold the Lighthouse Short Film e1659034400868
Thomas Soto has created a moving film that doesn’t shy away from showcasing the heartache of Alzheimer’s disease. Édouard Biron-Laroque delivers a truly exceptional performance as the young boy, with an equally commendable portrayal by Jacques L’Heureux. Their on-screen chemistry is endearing to watch. Cinematography is simply exceptional, with awe-inspiring scenery from start-to-finish. Lighting, color-grading and post-production are of a highly professional standard. Except a cinematic finish. The musical soundtrack plays an important role in the emotional narrative, with heartfelt melodies throughout. A captivating watch. Highly recommended.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Thomas Soto
Writer(s): Thomas Soto
Cast: Édouard Biron-Laroque, Jacques L’Heureux
Producer(s): Marie-Christine Toupin
Director of Photography:
Animation (if applicable):

Specifications

Genre: ,
Subjects: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Country:
Language: French
Year: 2021
Runtime: 9 min

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Cast/Crew

Director(s): Thomas Soto
Writer(s): Thomas Soto
Cast: Édouard Biron-Laroque, Jacques L’Heureux
Producer(s): Marie-Christine Toupin
Director of Photography:
Animation (if applicable):

Specifcations

Genre: ,
Subjects: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Country:
Language: French
Year: 2021
Runtime: 9 min

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Hold the Lighthouse

Synopsis

A septuagenarian and his 8-year-old grandson are isolated in a small village in Gaspesie. The grandfather’s Alzheimer progresses and feel a certain attachment to his love, his wife, a memory that lasts. She stays in his mind, while the rest crumbles. The grandson tries his best to be a support, a safe place, for his grandfather as the film of his memory slowly burns.

Review

A poignant experimental drama that delves into Alzheimer's disease.

5/5
Written and directed by Thomas Soto, ‘Hold the Lighthouse’ is a short experimental drama film that explores the relationship between a child and his aging grandfather. The film stars Jacques L’Heureux, with Édouard Biron-Laroque as young Jacob. The poignant narrative delves into themes of grief, loss, love and dementia. An outstanding drama that will bring a tear, or two, to the viewer. The film is produced in the French language with English subtitles.

The 9-minute film centers around Jacob and his grandfather, who are isolated in a remote Canadian village. The narrative focuses on the activities they share together, intertwined with emotional moments of mental confusion – sparked by Alzheimer’s disease. The short examines their shared grief and the boy’s puzzlement with his grandfather’s illness.

Hold the Lighthouse Short Film e1659034400868
Thomas Soto has created a moving film that doesn’t shy away from showcasing the heartache of Alzheimer’s disease. Édouard Biron-Laroque delivers a truly exceptional performance as the young boy, with an equally commendable portrayal by Jacques L’Heureux. Their on-screen chemistry is endearing to watch. Cinematography is simply exceptional, with awe-inspiring scenery from start-to-finish. Lighting, color-grading and post-production are of a highly professional standard. Except a cinematic finish. The musical soundtrack plays an important role in the emotional narrative, with heartfelt melodies throughout. A captivating watch. Highly recommended.

Recommended

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