Unveiling 'All the Light We Cannot See': A Netflix Adaptation Examined
'All the Light We Cannot See' fails to capture the essence of the award-winning novel Disappointing adaptation leaves much to be desired Stick to the book for a more fulfilling experience
Article Summary
The four-episode Netflix series All the Light We Cannot See fails to capture the depth and subtleties of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel it is based on.
The adaptation has a superficial nature and lacks emotional depth, relying solely on shallow spectacle.
Despite the sincere efforts of the cast, the series disappointingly omits crucial themes and developments, ultimately undermining the integrity of the story.
This review was originally part of our coverage for the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.
Occasionally, a viral clip surfaces of filmmaker Michael Haneke discussing the depiction of atrocity in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List and sharing his perspective on films he deems misguided in handling painful chapters in history. During one such interview, the spotlight unexpectedly shines on John Krasinski, known primarily for his comedic work in The Office. In this unexpected moment, Krasinski struggles to respond to the weighty questions posed, creating an unforgettable internet sensation. This notoriety stems not from whether Haneke is entirely correct or if there is room for discussion, but instead from the surprise of turning to Krasinski for insights on significant matters.
This feeling of someone most known for comedy being outmatched when it comes to discussing immense topics of history and violence perfectly characterizes the well-intentioned yet profoundly inadequate four-episode Netflix series All the Light We Cannot See. Led by Shawn Levy, who previously directed movies like Free Guy and The Adam Project, it is a piece of work that clearly falls outside his usual tonal range, immersing us in the all-consuming devastation and turmoil of World War II. Adapted from Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, it narrates the story of Marie-Laure, a blind French teenager whose passion for literature knows no boundaries.
Image via NetflixAll The Light We Cannot See
Marie-Laure, a teenage blind French girl, and Werner, a German soldier, find their lives intertwined in occupied France during the tremendous turmoil of World War II. This captivating tale hits theaters on November 2, 2023, featuring a talented cast including Mark Ruffalo, Hugh Laurie, Aria Mia Loberti, and Louis Hofmann. With historical elements and a touch of drama, this film explores the enduring impact of war.
Played with a grace and determination that goes largely unnoticed by newcomer Aria Mia Loberti in her debut performance, Marie-Laure resides alone in the coastal city of Saint-Malo in France, which is under German occupation. Every night, she sends out broadcasts through the radio in her attic, hoping that these messages will not only serve a greater purpose in the ongoing war but also reach her father, Daniel LeBlanc portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, who has mysteriously disappeared but whose character is revealed through extended flashbacks. The story also provides glimpses into the perspective of Werner, a German soldier portrayed by Louis Hofmann, who, despite his duty to locate and suppress the broadcasts, takes a keen interest in listening to them. It is regrettable that Netflix's adaptation ultimately dampens the vitality of the original tale.
Does 'All the Light We Cannot See' Live up to the Book?
Image via Netflix
While the series draws inspiration from the novel, there is a lack of fluidity in the overall experience. Although the careful attention to detail in the models created by Daniel for Marie-Laure is admirable, they fail to capture the vibrant world that Doerr portrays. This could have been acceptable and even justifiable, similar to how last year's TIFF premiere, All Quiet on the Western Front, portrayed its revisions in a meaningful and tragic manner. However, the series falls short by merely scratching the surface instead of making a profound impact. Without delving into the numerous changes, particularly the abrupt truncation of the altered ending, this adaptation feels meticulously staged, making it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the painful story. Some losses that were left uncertain in the novel are explicitly depicted on-screen, while other definitive losses from the book are left open-ended. Adapting a story often entails making alterations, but the problem lies in the fact that each change made here fails to contribute anything significant to the overall experience. Instead, they mostly detract from the original novel's nuanced stylistic and thematic choices, without a discernible purpose.
The cinematic adaptation of Netflix's All the Light We Cannot See often gives the impression of watching a filmed play rather than a true cinematic experience. Unfortunately, the adaptation falls short as it relies heavily on shallow spectacle and empty explosions, which come across as tactless. The power of the original novel lay in its understated nature and deliberate omission of certain details. Despite the valiant efforts of Ruffalo and Loberti to counteract the misguided narrative, any emotional resonance they manage to convey is overshadowed by questionable creative decisions. The characters' complexities and their internal struggles remain largely unexplored. Consequently, the more poignant moments become lost amidst contrived cliffhangers that punctuate each episode, risking the very thing that Haneke warned against. The adaptation lacks the depth and nuance found in the novel, steadily abandoning its subtle strengths in favor of more conventional storytelling. Instead of introducing new themes and developments, Netflix's adaptation consistently removes key elements, resulting in an experience that is both explosive and empty.
'All the Light We Cannot See' Deserves a Better Adaptation Than This
Image via Netflix
The limited number of episodes, referred to by Levy as a singular film, may be a contributing factor to the inadequacy of Netflix's All the Light We Cannot See. Even with an extensive amount of time, the adaptation fails to capture the depth and beauty present in the novel. The series only scratches the surface of the profound ideas presented, resulting in a disappointing portrayal. The cast's efforts prevent it from being a complete disaster, but it is disheartening to see the more memorable aspects of the source material reduced to something superficial. The only redeeming aspect is that this version of All the Light We Cannot See may encourage more individuals to read the book and experience the story as it was intended, while this insufficient adaptation fades from memory.
Rating: C-
All the Light We Cannot See will be available to stream starting November 2 on Netflix in the U.S.
Editor's P/S
As a fan of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr, I was highly anticipating the Netflix adaptation. Unfortunately, the series fails to capture the essence and depth of the book, leaving me disappointed and longing for a more fulfilling experience.
The superficial nature of the adaptation is evident from the start, relying heavily on shallow spectacle rather than delving into the profound themes and intricate character development present in the novel. Despite the cast's earnest efforts, crucial elements and storylines are disappointingly omitted, undermining the integrity of the story. It feels as though the adaptation lacks the emotional depth and nuance necessary to truly do justice to Doerr's work. While I appreciate the attempt to bring this beloved novel to the screen, I cannot help but feel that the series falls short in capturing the essence of what made the book so special.
