Firelight

A woman's maternal instinct is something unlike anything else, something indescribable. It's a burning passion that can never be extinguished, a force that can't be moved. And fiction tends to shine a light on the subject of motherly devotion.

One such work is William Nicholson's Firelight. Set in the mid-19th century, it's a story of unwavering loyalty. The kind of which that simply burns in the heart of one person. (God help you if you get between that person and what or whom they're devoted to.) And there's more than one type of devotion throughout.

Firelight is reminiscent of Jane Eyre and other stories of the same variety, namely because of certain elements: the female lead with a troubled past, the brooding male lead, the large home that has its own story to tell...it's clear that Nicholson did his research prior to making it, ensuring that they're not slipping into cliche territory.

But Firelight also provides some stunning cinematography from Nic Morris. From harsh grays and blues to warmer oranges and yellows, the use of color throughout the film establishes mood and what the characters are feeling. A familiar technique in visual media, yes, but one that works if done properly.

Though following the usual conventions of the genre, Firelight is quite beautiful in its execution. It's a quiet work that eschews the grand declarations regularly found within the genre. It's about what's shown, not what's said.

My Rating: ****