Breakdown and Approach: No More Darkness, No More Light

This is a story of a woman in turmoil, trapped in an emotionally dark and crime-ridden world. The main character, Eva, has an icy callousness about her, and her only warmth is towards her daughter who she’s so desperate to reunite with.

Visually, the images needed to reflect Eva’s dire situation and her mindset. Her world is dark, cruel, and although it’s hot outside, everything feels cold without her daughter. Forgiveness from her daughter is Eva’s way out. But we must ask, Will she get it?

Working with director Anthony Gilmore, I put together a mood board and color palette that I felt captured Eva’s world. It consisted of deep blue-green shadows, muted mid-tones of earthy mauves, blue-greys, and amber browns, and desaturated accents/highlights tinted yellow-green, taupe, and light blue.

Playing off the title of the film, I wanted a weight to the shadows, letting them fall off into complete darkness at times. This was juxtaposed with harsh highlights, which to me signified the looming danger to those characters who live in the darkness and are not ready or capable to be “in the light.”

Lighting Approach:
This was a modern noir set in rural Kentucky. I primarily shot using natural light when outdoors, and existing ambient light supplemented with practicals for interiors. I augmented only when necessary and allowed shadows to fall into complete darkness, contrast ratios to remain high, and the light quality to remain relatively hard.