Safelight

Safelight is a heartwarming and poignant film that follows the unlikely friendship between two outsiders, Charles and Vicki, as they embark on a road trip across the United States. Set against the backdrop of a desolate and impoverished America, the film explores themes of love, loss, and human connection.

The story centers around Charles (Evan Peters), a young man with a stutter and a limp who works at a gas station and dreams of becoming a professional photographer. Charles lives with his alcoholic father, who belittles and abuses him daily. Despite this, Charles maintains a positive outlook on life and finds solace in his passion for capturing the beauty of the world through photography.

Enter Vicki (Juno Temple), a troubled young woman who is forced to leave her home after a traumatic event. Vicki is a runaway and is addicted to drugs. She is also severely scarred on her face and carries a deep sense of shame and self-loathing. When Vicki's car breaks down at Charles' gas station, the two strike up an unlikely friendship that sets them on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

The film follows Charles and Vicki as they travel across the country to deliver some photographs that Charles took for a customer. The journey is full of ups and downs, as the two navigate the challenges of poverty, violence, and addiction. Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters, including Vicki's estranged mother (Christine Lahti) and a kindly truck driver who takes them under his wing.

As they journey together, Charles and Vicki slowly begin to understand each other's pain and come to terms with their own emotional wounds. Charles teaches Vicki about the beauty of the world and how to see it through his camera lens. Meanwhile, Vicki helps Charles confront his abusive past and find the courage to believe in himself and his dreams.

The acting in Safelight is top-notch, with Evan Peters and Juno Temple delivering nuanced and emotionally charged performances that bring their characters to life. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and their interactions feel genuine and heartfelt. Christine Lahti also shines in her role as Vicki's mother, who must confront her own demons and reconcile with her daughter.

Director Tony Aloupis captures the desolate landscapes of America with a painterly eye, using the natural beauty of the world to underscore the film's themes of hope and redemption. The cinematography is gorgeous, with the visuals lending a dreamlike quality to the story.

Safelight is a moving and thoughtful film that explores the human condition with a rare sensitivity and grace. It is a testament to the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit. The film is a must-see for anyone who appreciates movies that touch the heart and leave a lasting impact.