Tom Tykwer's 'Das Licht' Examines Intergenerational and Societal Struggles in Modern Berlin

The film juxtaposes a privileged Berlin family with a Syrian refugee, exploring themes of connection, healing, and societal critique through stylistic experimentation.

Tom Tykwer's 'Das Licht' premiered at Berlinale 2025 and is now showing in theaters, marking his return to cinema after years working on 'Babylon Berlin.'
The film delves into intergenerational tensions, with younger characters challenging older generations for societal failures while seeking connection.
A Syrian refugee, Farrah, plays a key role in the narrative, both reconnecting a dysfunctional Berlin family and addressing her own trauma.
A therapeutic light machine serves as a symbolic and narrative device, representing emotional healing and unresolved connections.
Critics are divided on the film, with praise for its ambition and thematic depth but criticism of its stylistic choices and dense exploration of contemporary issues.

Augsburger Allgemeine