Silent Light

Stellet Licht
a film by Carlos Reygadas

Set in Chihuahua in northern Mexico within the Mennonite community, a strict Christian sect of European descent who speak Plautdietsch, a German-Dutch dialect. Johan, the father of five children and a deeply religious man, has fallen in love with another woman, Marianne. Although he is honest about the affair with his wife Esther, openly confessing his adulterous behaviour, he is full of remorse and uncertainty, knowing that he has broken God's laws as he entertains thoughts of abandoning his family. We watch the family in silent prayer, seated at the kitchen table before breakfast. Following their meal, Esther and the children leave the house to begin their day's work in the fields but Johan remains alone at the empty table and in emotional turmoil, his tears begin to flow.

Despite the suffering this love triangle has already wrought on those involved, Johan is unable to put an end to it. His love for Marianne draws him back to her again and again and he is powerless to end the affair. When he drives to the local garage to collect a part for his tractor, he discusses his affair with his friend Zacarías who, whilst philosophical and supportive in a remote sort of way, is unable to accept the burden of problems that Johan has brought upon himself. Suddenly, as a familiar song plays on the radio, Johan gleefully sings along while driving his truck around the yard in circles, clearing his mind of the problems he has been dwelling upon.

Later, he stops at his parents' farm to tell his father about the affair, explaining that he has told Esther about Marianne. His father, a preacher, hints that the devil may be responsible for what has happened, but admits that he also once had an affair with another woman, although he made the choice to bring it to an end.

Johan and Esther take the children bathing in a nearby pool, a gesture of love that makes his infidelity all the harder for Esther to bear. When they are driving alone in a ferocious rainstorm, she begins to speak of her regrets for the happiness they have lost, becoming very upset. She then complains of chest pains and pleads with Johan to stop the car. When he does, Esther runs from the roadside to a neaby tree where she sobs uncontrollably and then collapses.

The film begins in starlight, slowly giving way to the light of the rising sun at the beginning of a new day. Only the ambient sounds of crickets, lowing cattle and the occasional bird cry can be heard, enhancing the perception of serenity and tranquility. At the end of the film the sun is setting and we watch the deepening colours of the sky as the light slowly fades and one by one the stars appear, returning again to the state of tranquility.

An enlightening and engaging exploration of moral and spiritual crises, touching on some profound themes but keeping its emotional distance. While religion is very much a part of the lives of the characters, it is present only in the background of the story. The remarkable cinematography, with the film's unhurried pace and inspired imagery, make it a profoundly spiritual and very moving meditation on love and betrayal.