THE LIGHTKEEPERS

If you want a gentle, unusual romance with strong performances and very little negative content, The Lightkeepers is worth your time. Its whimsical story follows two lighthouse keepers whose lonely lives change when two women move in next door.

The film takes a while to get moving. Its pacing is somewhat tedious before the women arrive, and a few plot holes may leave you scratching your head. Still, the performances are amazing, especially Richard Dreyfuss as Seth, and the story includes positive references to Jesus, the Bible, forgiveness, and Scripture.

The practical answer: see it if your family enjoys thoughtful, old-fashioned romantic drama and can be patient with its slow beginning.

Set on Cape Cod in 1917, the story centers on Seth, a crusty older lighthouse keeper, and Brown, his young assistant. Both men are avowed “women haters” with painful histories involving love.

Their lonely existence changes when Ruth, a young woman, and Emmeline, her older housekeeper, move into the neighboring cabin for the summer. The men try to avoid them, but new friendships and old wounds soon draw all four lives together.

Three stars means this is a charming, worthwhile film with noticeable weaknesses. The performances are amazing, particularly Richard Dreyfuss’s portrayal of Seth. The filmmakers also create a distinctly whimsical atmosphere, giving the romance a gentle and unusual tone.

The pacing is a bit tedious until the women arrive and the main story begins. A few plot holes may leave viewers scratching their heads. Even so, the film’s performances, positive choices, and overall charm give it real appeal.

The film presents a light mixed pagan worldview alongside a strong Christian, biblical outlook. It includes positive references to God, Jesus, the Bible, and Scripture. Emmeline struggles to forgive her husband and initially thinks Jesus literally meant forgiving “seventy times seven.” Ruth explains that Jesus meant forgiveness should have no limit.

The film also includes Romantic elements. Ruth says her “Radcliff education” has made her cynical and doubtful, while Brown and Ruth decide they can no longer doubt because they have fallen in love. That conclusion comes across as more Romantic than Christian. The story also includes an expression of humanist doubt or skepticism.

At its best, the film recognizes forgiveness as a difficult but necessary choice. Jesus teaches, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22).

The Lightkeepers is a charming, whimsical romance with excellent performances, positive Christian references, and little negative content. Its slow beginning and mixed worldview call for thoughtful viewing, but older children and adults may find much to appreciate. WORTH THE TRIP.