If you’re a fan of historical dramas, you won’t want to miss Netflix’s limited series, “All the Light We Cannot See.” Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Anthony Doerr, this drama follows the paths of a blind French girl and a German soldier as their lives collide in the final days of World War II.
The series is a beautifully crafted adaptation of Doerr’s novel, with a talented cast bringing the characters to life. Aria Mia Loberti stars as Marie-Laure, the blind French girl, while Louis Hofmann portrays Werner, the German soldier. Mark Ruffalo also stars in the series, adding to the already impressive cast.
With its gripping storyline, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances, “All the Light We Cannot See” is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys war movies, historical dramas, or adaptations of award-winning novels.
Plot
“All the Light We Cannot See” is a limited series on Netflix based on Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. The series is directed by Shawn Levy and developed by Steven Knight. It stars Aria Mia Loberti, Louis Hofmann, and Hugh Laurie among others.
The story takes place during World War II and follows two main characters, Marie-Laure LeBlanc and Werner Pfennig. Marie-Laure is a blind French girl who lives with her reclusive uncle, Etienne. Werner is a young German soldier who has a talent for radios.
The story begins in Nazi-occupied Paris and follows Marie-Laure as she flees with her father, Daniel LeBlanc, to Saint-Malo. Daniel is a locksmith at the Museum of Natural History in Paris and has been entrusted with a valuable diamond called the Sea of Flames. The Nazis are after the diamond, and Daniel hopes to keep it safe.
Meanwhile, Werner is recruited by the Nazis to use his talent for radios to track down illegal broadcasts. He is sent to Saint-Malo, where he will eventually cross paths with Marie-Laure.
The series explores the themes of love, connection, and humanity during a time of war. It also delves into the emotional toll of war on individuals and how they cope to survive and deal with loss and trauma.
Cast and Characters
Here’s a breakdown of the main cast and characters in All the Light We Cannot See:
- Mark Ruffalo as Daniel LeBlanc: Daniel LeBlanc is a locksmith and the father of Marie-Laure. He is a caring and protective father who goes to great lengths to keep his daughter safe during the war.
- Hugh Laurie as Etienne LeBlanc: Etienne is Daniel’s brother and Marie-Laure’s uncle. He is a reclusive radio operator who helps the French Resistance.
- Aria Mia Loberti as Marie-Laure LeBlanc: Marie-Laure is a blind French girl who loves to read and has a vivid imagination. She is a brave and determined character who faces many challenges throughout the series.
- Louis Hofmann as Werner Pfennig: Werner is a German soldier who is skilled at detecting and tracking radio frequencies. He is a complex character who struggles with his loyalty to his country and his own moral compass.
- Lars Eidinger as Reinhold von Rumpel: Reinhold is a German officer who is obsessed with finding a valuable diamond that Marie-Laure’s father has hidden.
- Marion Bailey as Madame Manec: Madame Manec is a housekeeper who works for Etienne and becomes involved in the Resistance.
- Nell Sutton as Suzanne: Suzanne is a fellow Resistance member who befriends Marie-Laure.
The cast of All the Light We Cannot See delivers outstanding performances, bringing the characters to life in a way that is both compelling and authentic. Each character has their own unique story and motivations, and the actors do an excellent job of portraying the complexities of their roles. From Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal of the loving father to Aria Mia Loberti’s portrayal of the determined Marie-Laure, the cast of All the Light We Cannot See is truly exceptional.
Setting
Netflix’s “All the Light We Cannot See” takes you on a journey through a world of war and carnage, where people lean towards kindness and love despite the horrors they face. The series is set in Nazi-occupied Saint-Malo, a historic seaside town in Brittany, France, during World War II.
Saint-Malo is known for its picturesque ramparts, cobblestoned streets, and beautiful beaches. The town’s old town is a popular destination for tourists, with its many shops, cafes, and restaurants. The series was filmed in various locations in Europe, including Saint-Malo, Paris, and Budapest.
The Museum of Natural History in Paris is also featured in the series. The museum is a popular tourist destination and is known for its extensive collection of natural history specimens and exhibits. The series also takes you to Nazi-occupied Saint-Malo, where the paths of Marie and the German soldiers collide.
Reviews
All the Light We Cannot See is a Netflix mini-series that was released in 2023. The show is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Anthony Doerr. The series has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the show has a 28% approval rating based on 28 critic reviews, however, with over 1,000 reviews the miniseries has recorded an audience score of 82%, this is also in line with the reviews on IMDb with a 7.2 rating.
However, some critics have praised the show for its cinematography and performances. The Hollywood Reporter called the show “visually stunning” and praised the performances of the two lead actors, Hugh Laurie and Elle Fanning. The Guardian though was not so positive on the adaption of the novel, calling it a “terrible mess” and a “one-way ticket to Triteland.”
Overall, the reception to All the Light We Cannot See has been mixed. While some have praised the show for its visuals and performances, others have criticised it for its at times tonal shifts and messy plot.
All this means is that you are best to watch it for yourself to make up your own mind.
Watch All the Light We Cannot See on Netflix.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes are there in the Netflix adaptation of All the Light We Cannot See?
The Netflix adaptation of “All the Light We Cannot See” consists of four episodes.
Is All the Light We Cannot See available to watch on Netflix?
Yes, “All the Light We Cannot See” is available to watch on Netflix.
Are there plans to make a movie adaptation of All the Light We Cannot See?
There are no current plans to make a movie adaptation of “All the Light We Cannot See.”
Is All the Light We Cannot See based on a true story?
No, “All the Light We Cannot See” is a work of fiction.