Growing up on the X-Files, the phrase “the truth is out there” has been etched into my brain for nearly two decades. I tend to believe in the idea that we’re all looking for some sort of truth, whether we articulate it or not. God, religion, aliens, the Loch Ness Monster. What’s fiction to some are hoped for truths to others.
In its own way the film Red Lights, out today on Blu-Ray/DVD/VOD is about the search for a truth – that there’s something out there more than what we can see.
Find out more about Red Lights after the jump.
Red Lights features the all star cast of Robert DeNiro, Sigourney Weaver and Cillian Murphy. The latter two play academics who work in paranormal investigation, essentially debunking psychics and mediums, while DeNiro plays retired and blind superstar celebrity psychic Simon Silver, whose return to public life and performance proves problematic. Is Silver able to do the things he does? Are there real psychics out there or is all just slight of hand? What’s the truth?
Written and directed by Rodrigo Cortes, Red Lights had a brief release in theaters during the summer but really didn’t get noticed, which is a shame. The film asks some real questions about doubt and truth and faith – why do people search for the unexplainable? Why do some of us have faith is the supernatural while others outrightly dismiss it? Red Lights offers some thoughts on these questions, while still serving as a decent thriller.
Shot in Canada and Spain, the film looks great, and has very strong performances from all its lead players. Sigourney Weaver is one of the greatest actors of her generation and once again shows us why, while DeNiro gives a more lively performance than he has in some time. Meanwhile, Cillian Murphy holds his own beside these two heavy hitters as he plays the most relateable character in Red Lights.
Not quite a horror film, Red Lights is more suspenseful, offering a few jumps while asking some big questions. While it may have flown under the radar, it’s definitely worth your time.
And that’s the truth.
I didn’t even know that this movie was in the theatres. I will be checking it out especially since this is the type of movie that usually attracts me. Nice to hear someone else is a die hard X-File fan.
I think it had a very limited release, which is a shame since it is smart and well-acted.