It seems like every year a movie emerges that receives excessive praise and recognition, and this slow-moving, frustrating experience is definitely in contention for that distinction in 2024. Payal Kapadia’s film explores the lives of three women living in Mumbai who are dealing with financial difficulties, job insecurity, and personal challenges, all having moved from rural areas hoping for opportunities that weren't quite what they expected. The movie has been lauded for its kind portrayal of these subjects and its delicate approach to the characters’ stories. But I found it dull—I honestly lost track of how many times I glanced at my watch during the screening. It attempts to tackle a broad range of issues, from loneliness and financial strain to gentrification and outdated customs, but doesn't succeed in handling them well. I don’t think this film brings anything particularly new to the table either; its themes of working-class struggles and isolation have been explored more effectively in other Indian films like “The Lunchbox” (2013) and “Fire in the Mountains” (2021), which offer much more captivating storytelling. There are also some parts of the story that feel underdeveloped or just don’t quite work, sometimes feeling unbelievable and at others seeming strangely dreamlike—it's often difficult to tell which is intended. While I will concede that the film has visual strengths, like its cinematography, they aren’t enough to overcome its significant flaws. Despite the risk of criticism, I genuinely don’t think “All We Imagine as Light” deserves the numerous awards and honors it has garnered from events such as the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, National Board of Review, Cannes Film Festival, and Chicago Film Festival. There are so many other worthwhile international films available, and it's disappointing that these competitions and festivals have given nominations and prizes to this overblown and unfinished production.

Source on TMDB