Review: Perennial Light

In this review, Adelaide Thermes Kane ruminates on Perennial Light.

Irish filmmaker Colin Hickey’s latest work, Perennial Light, is truly a love letter to visual storytelling and the black and white films of the early 20th century. Throughout the film, his scenes are intertwined with intertitles of hand-drawn pictures that emphasise the emotion. It is a deeply intimate tale of a young boy who, as he grows into adulthood, is drawn back to the memory of the death of his friend. It is this process that challenges his present existence.

Hickey has a unique and style that elevates both the tone and narrative. The prolonged shots and wide, lingering soundscapes allow space for the viewer to take in the visceral details, and derive their own meaning as the story unfolds on the screen. This sets a wondrously sombre tone that permeates throughout. The filmmaking style used by Hickey has a certain simplicity to it, but it is the implications and symbolism that imparts this complex story with love, grief, and understanding.

The lack of dialogue could pose a real challenge for some actors who are used to a more traditional style of filmmaking. In spite of this, they carry through with wonderful performances that are simple, clear and effective. We see them speak, are witness to these important conversations, but we are not made privy as to what they discuss. The only clues lie in the context and interspersed animations.

This “show don’t tell” style works well, and it ensures that the viewers rely on their own understanding of body language in a way that is unintentionally introspective. Though Hickey’s work may be considered experimental, Perennial Light examines the reflective nature of storytelling and is at it’s core an impactful film. This provoking story leaves us wide open to what’s behind the narrative. Perennial Light is the fondness of ebbing memories and is a mirror held up to the viewer so that they may reflect on themselves.

In cinemas 29th November 2024.