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Writer's pictureDan Brooks

All the Light We Cannot See (2023): A Gripping Tale of Resilience Amidst Darkness - Review

Marie-Laure lives in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where her father works. When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure's reclusive great uncle lives in a tall house by the sea. With them they carry what might be the museum's most valuable and dangerous jewel. In a mining town in Germany, Werner Pfennig, an orphan, grows up with his younger sister, enchanted by a crude radio they find that brings them news and stories from places they have never seen or imagined. Werner becomes an expert at building and fixing these crucial new instruments and is enlisted to use his talent to track down the resistance. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, Doerr illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another.


Netflix unveils an emotional journey through their miniseries, "All the Light We Cannot See." The series navigates the haunting years of World War II, offering a poignant portrayal of human resilience in the face of adversity. With a cast featuring Aria Mia Loberti as Marie-Laure, Louis Hofmann as Werner, Mark Ruffalo, and Hugh Laurie, the story weaves a narrative that captures the essence of a world torn apart by conflict.


The show excels in capturing the essence of historical settings, skillfully drawing viewers into the wartime landscapes of Paris and Saint-Malo. The cinematography and attention to detail create a vivid tapestry that evokes both the beauty and the brutality of the era. Each episode's conclusion leaves audiences hanging on the edge, eagerly awaiting the next chapter, a testament to the show's compelling storytelling.


While the series excels in many aspects, it occasionally falters. Lars Eidinger’s portrayal of Sergeant Major Reinhold von Rumpel, the villain, at times veers into exaggerated malevolence, detracting from the otherwise somber and realistic tone. The quest for a supernatural gem feels somewhat disconnected from the central narrative, creating a minor discord in an otherwise seamless portrayal of wartime struggles.


The series does commendably depict the depth of human kindness amidst the harshest of circumstances. It is a reminder that, even in the midst of chaos and despair, acts of compassion and goodness endure, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.


Behind the scenes, the collaboration between writer Steven Knight, known for "Peaky Blinders," and director Shawn Levy, whose repertoire leans towards more mainstream productions, results in a well-crafted blend of poignant storytelling and visually immersive sequences. Filming in France and Hungary lends an authentic aura to the series, remaining true to the essence of Anthony Doerr's original book.


In summary, "All the Light We Cannot See" earns a respectable 7.8/10 rating. While it shines in many aspects, a few narrative hiccups slightly dim the overall experience. Nevertheless, it remains a compelling portrayal of the strength and endurance of the human spirit during the darkest of times.



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