In ‘Single Light’, Shaylee Atary Delivers A Hauntingly Beautiful Portrayal Of Survival
Friday Club. 12/11/2024 Read full article on the magazine: https://fridayclubmag.com/the-subtle-power-of-shaylee-atary-single-light/ Disclaimer: Single Light deals with themes of sexual assault, which may be distressing for some readers. This review discusses these elements in relation to the film’s narrative. Image courtesy of Omer Weiss Some films entertain, and then there are those that linger in your soul long after the credits roll. Shaylee Atary’s ‘Single Light’ firmly belongs to the latter, and we were privileged to view it this month alongside its Hong Kong screening. In a masterstroke of storytelling that is both restrained and profound, Atary explores trauma with rare grace – acknowledging the horror without exploiting it, the pain without exaggeration. This is a film that doesn’t just tell you about trauma; it immerses you in its quiet, stifling presence, making you feel as though you’re experiencing it alongside the protagonist, Lali. The film opens in a Tel Aviv parking lot, where a single streetlight illuminates Lali – played by the remarkable Yael Elkana – in a moment that will change her life forever. This streetlight is no ordinary fixture; it becomes a silent witness to Lali’s anguish, and its presence haunts her journey as both a symbol of torment and, eventually, strength. During the assault, Lali is transfixed by the streetlight, caught in a state of paralysis as the light seems to both expose and isolate her. The recurring motif of this streetlight is layered with meaning, and each time it returns, it serves as a visual reminder of her past while illuminating the path forward. Image courtesy of Omer Weiss Much of the film’s power lies in its subtleties. Atary’s decision to strip away the noise – both literally and figuratively – is a revelation. Here, silence becomes a character of its own, allowing us to feel the oppressive weight of the incident. The quiet...