Ezra, a once-famous trumpeter, now struggles to keep his career afloat, performing for scraps at the local small jazz club. After his family is killed in a horrific car crash, Ezra stumbles upon a lighthouse and is mistaken for the keeper by one of the workers. Drawn by the power of the lighthouse, he decides to stay, living as a recluse. Soon, however, he encounters a suicidal visitor, Sam, and finds solace in his presence, gaining the resolve to help the lost souls that stumble upon the lighthouse. As days pass, Ezra meets Hannah, a beautiful, enigmatic teacher who imbues his life with meaning and potential newfound happiness. But Sam, feeling excluded and threatened, becomes unreasonably jealous, leading to an inevitable clash that forces each character to confront their deepest selves, testing the limits of isolation and redemption in Ezra’s secluded new world.
Composed by two-time Grammy Award-winner Walter Afanasieff (Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”) and featuring an all-star cast headlined by Jack Huston and Abbie Cornish, I’m Beginning to See the Light is a reflective, emotional drama that showcases its central lighthouse setting as a multi-layered metaphor around the complexity of life, love and loss.
As the film arrives for its VOD release and exclusive theatrical engagement, Peter Gray spoke with actress Jamie Chung about her pivotal role in Konstantin Khudyakov’s thoughtful film, how she found her way into the character and what it is she loves about acting.
Even though your role here is contained, there’s such a specificity to it. I’m curious to know what initially drew you to this film?
Well, first of all, I knew that Abbie Cornish was attached to this film already. Love her. And Jack Huston was also attached, and they’re two very powerful actors. And when I first initially read the script, on paper it was…I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I’m Korean, I’m really drawn to sad shit (laughs). Excuse my French. But do you know what I mean? Culturally, there’s a certain sadness about life and all these adversities, but that’s how you grow, right?
Whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. It’s such a cliche, and I hate myself for saying that, but it’s really true. I think the overall story of how one person’s grief when, if it doesn’t kill you, what pushes you to continue forward? I just thought it was so beautifully written. And, you’re right, it is contained, because it is a very small, little indie, but it’s so interesting that it takes place at this lighthouse and all the characters that you meet, it’s all about new beginnings and finding, or climbing, your way out of a hole and trying to find the joy in life again.
Your character feels so real and lived in. When you’re working with a smaller canvas and lesser screen time, how is that for you brining an emotionality to her? To make her feel like someone that we automatically know.
You mean, like a tired mom? (Laughs). Someone who supports a husband that’s in the arts, and loving the fact that he still is so passionate and has a calling in life. Who’s so passionate and talented at something. I think the stark realities of, well, you know, (my character) is also the one having to think about paying the bills. She’s more pragmatic, right? So, although she wants to support her husband, she still needs to think about all of the basic necessities. You know, how are we going to get gas money? How are we going to get food on this plate? It’s definitely fun to play, and you bring these personal matters and experiences into these characters.
But it’s this constant push and pull of “I really do love you, and I love hearing you play, and this is the reason why I fell in love with you.” And then another part of (my character) Sarah is, like, “But, I’m so worried, and it’s past bedtime, and how much longer do we have to do this?” She’s quite the worrier, but at the end of the day, she has her family and she’s happy.
Even if it’s something that’s never spoken about, did you have a backstory for Sarah to help ground your performance? Was there something that you particularly brought to her, like an article of clothing or a scent?
Oh, that’s interesting. No, it was more the walk. Like, how she holds herself. She’s had a full day, and now she is taking her daughter to go watch Ezra, her husband, play and she’s just tired. And tomorrow is another busy day. Yeah, just tired mom energy.
When it comes to leading roles versus supporting roles, is there a different preparation for you? Are you learning anything new about yourself as an actor?
Peter, you know, as an artist, there’s no small roles (laughs). I think it’s really interesting how this industry has changed. I think tech is taking away a lot of jobs. The strikes and COVID have really slowed things down for us, and it’s really limited what people are making. Does it have an IP? Things like that. Even for an audition, like what I love to do and what I love about acting is thinking about who this person is? What is their history? Do they have trauma? What brings them joy? How is the relationship with their mother and father? What is her profession? It’s so fun to be able to do this research and really nitpick of how (something) would make you feel. That’s the shit that I love. And, again, it’s really slowed down for actors, and every actor’s going after the same jobs. But the benefit of having a husband and other friends who are actors, it’s like, okay, “What are you reading? Let’s break it down together.” It’s about playing and really helping each other grow in these imaginative worlds.
Would you say that love has what kept you evolving? You look at your career, with studio films, indies, voice work, genre series…you look at this range. Is it that love and that chasing of what keeps you going?
Who wants to do the same thing over and over? I think it’s okay to disappear for a little bit, because you grow a lot. Every day you’re growing and you’re changing. Having a family changes everything. Every little thing. And so it’s nice to kind of sometimes step back and try something new. Really explore your range in voiceover and take vocal lessons, which is freaking terrifying. Or, you know, go to more improv, which is also terrifying. It’s just those are the things that really scare you. That really help you evolve. It’s a lot of that. But sometimes life is really a funny thing, you know, you’re fighting and you’re clawing at things, and then something’s just popped into your lap and it’s exactly what you need. There’s so much depth. And this is something that I really needed to get out of my system and pour my energy into. It’s a craft that will never love you, but it’s something that keeps me going.
I’m the same, I love talking about films, writing about films, and I could honestly keep talking all morning to you, but it’s been such a joy and pleasure to talk to you.
Oh, thank you. Before you go, what’s your favourite Michelle Pfeiffer film?
Oh, the one I fell in love with was Batman Returns. That was the one that started it.
Oh, honey. Iconic fucking whip scene. Let’s go! I also read that you like Jason Momoa…
Gotta be Aquaman. It’s the hair.
Oh, it’s everything.
I’m Beginning to See the Light will premiere on VOD on May 2nd, 2025 in the United States. It will also have a limited theatrical run in the United States between May 2nd and May 8th, 2025.
