Language of Life

Language of Life follows Lyla (Rebecca Horne), a lost and lonely young teenager, as she meets Marion (Janet Amsden), a wise and older woman who offers a sense of wisdom. Set in a cemetery early one Sunday morning, the two share a surprising but life-changing conversation. The piece is a simple yet poignant tale of bereavement, about choosing not to bury your feelings despite how difficult grief is to navigate in the wake of loss.

Language of Life is not an easy watch, as it deals with themes of bereavement, which may be emotionally overwhelming for some viewers; however, it's clearly crafted with an understanding and care for these themes. Despite its incredibly brisk runtime, the themes and ideas connect almost instantly, and you may find yourself invested in its emotional power as a viewer. The screenplay is incredibly powerful and engaging, thanks to its emotional nuance and compelling dialogue that drive its themes and performances to impressive heights. While you don't learn much about the two central characters outside of their grief and anxieties, it's hard not to be emotionally invested. It's a lovely short piece, with a heartfelt message and a wonderful script to boast.

From a technical standpoint, the piece can suffer from a washed-out colour grade, which detracts from the visual aspect of the experience; however, the camerawork is mostly impressive. Amber Amare, serving as the film's cinematographer, primarily shoots the piece from a plethora of close-ups to showcase both central characters' singular conversion, never losing sight of the driving force of the narrative. The boxed-in 4:3 aspect ratio is another commendable formal decision, as the experience feels incredibly intimate, with both central characters almost consistently at the centre of the frame. The intimacy and delicate material make the experience incredibly worthwhile, and it never fails to tug at the heartstrings.

Jack Yeo, serving as the film's composer, delivers a wonderfully understated but nuanced musical score with heart-warming motifs that anchor the more intimate moments of acceptance. While most of the runtime lacks music and relies heavily on stillness and the performances, the use of music is suitably implemented into the narrative. Despite the film's budget constraints, the filmmaking feels incredibly well executed with a clear understanding of how to convey its simple yet powerful narrative.

The two central performances from Rebecca Horne in her portrayal of Lyla and Janet Amsden in her portrayal of Marion are astounding examples of two performers who can elevate simple pieces of dialogue to incredible heights. Rebecca Horne offers a more naive and innocent portrayal of a younger individual navigating grief, and Janet Amsden portrays a wiser and experienced understanding of how to choose to embrace one’s grief and move forward. It's an incredibly powerful and unforgettable message that may linger in viewers' minds long after the credits roll. While the narrative is incredibly simple and brisk, the piece is an excellent example of how the sheer passion for the material can elevate a smaller production.

Language of Life is a delicate and nuanced portrayal of a singular conversation between two individuals navigating grief at different stages of their lives. While it may suffer from a washed-out colour grade, the two central performances anchor the material, making it an emotionally devastating portrayal of grief.