Tom Tykwer’s “The Light,” which I’ve been hearing positive things about, could be a major comeback vehicle for the German filmmaker. It’s now been announced as the opening night film of the 75th Berlin Film Festival on February 13, 2025.
In “The Light” (Das Licht), which is set in present day Berlin, Tykwer draws the portrait of a modern family between collapse and new beginnings and deals with the big issues of our times, in a world that is reeling. The films tells the story of the Engels family, whose lives get upended when a new housekeeper, a mysterious woman from Syria, enters their lives and brings to light family secrets.
Last year, when the film had been originally tipped for a Venice premiere, “The Light” had a cut that ran nearly 3 hours. No word yet if that’s the official runtime.
This year marked the 25th anniversary of Tykwer’s “Run Lola Run,” and its theatrical re-release was met with numerous think-pieces looking back on the film’s lasting impact. Tykwer’s other noteworthy films include “Perfume,” “Cloud Atlas,” and the underrated “Heaven.” He hasn’t directed a feature since the underwhelming 2016 Tom Hanks starring “Hologram for a King.”
Netflix and Skydance Animation have also called it quits. The two sides announced Monday that they're ending the animated film deal struck back in 2023, framing it as a mutual decision.