Luz (2019): Cast & Ratings
Luz is a 2019 mystery thriller directed by Tilman Singer, starring Julia Riedler as Nora Vanderkurt, Nadja Stübiger and Jan Bluthardt. It runs 1 hour 10 minutes. Critics gave it 50% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.9/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 10m (70 min)
- Director
- Tilman Singer
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Screen Media Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Luz About?
The premise of Luz without spoilers.
Within the confines of a high-security prison, two inmates find themselves grappling with personal struggles as night falls. An unexpected connection develops between them, creating a complex and forbidden attraction that challenges the rigid structure of their environment. This psychological thriller explores themes of confinement, freedom, and the surprising ways love can emerge even in the darkest of places.
Luz Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- folk horror
- witchcraft
- psychomagic
- acid western
- female rear nudity
- female nudity
- dark
- reference to alejandro jodorowsky
- skinny dipping
- saying grace
- music box
- rainbow
+38 more Show fewer
- sexual desire
- milking a cow
- religious extremist
- female star appears nude
- field of animal bones
- woman wears a nightgown
- spying on naked women
- religious extremism
- boy in chains
- sex from behind
- man carrying a child over his shoulder
- loss of virginity
- 23 year old woman
- preacher's daughter
- waterfall
- corn on the cob
- older sister younger sister relationship
- chopping wood
- listening at a door
- cassette tape
- women bathing in a river
- bare chested boy
- bunk beds
- searching the woods
- cold
- religious family
- father and daughter living together
- messiah
- half sisters relationship
- unconscious woman
- woman on horseback
- three daughters
- sex in the woods
- daughter watches father have sex
- pointing a gun at someone
- cassette tape recorder
- nude woman outdoors
- virgin blood
Luz Cast & Characters
Julia Riedler leads the cast as Nora Vanderkurt, with Nadja Stübiger as Bertillon and Jan Bluthardt as Dr. Rossini. Directed by Tilman Singer; 6 actors are credited in all.
- Director Tilman Singer
- Julia Riedler as Nora Vanderkurt
- Nadja Stübiger as Bertillon
- Jan Bluthardt as Dr. Rossini
- Johannes Benecke as Olarte
Also Starring in Luz
· 2 more- Lilli Lorenz Margarita
- Luana Velis Luz Carrara
More from Tilman Singer
More films directed by Tilman Singer, best-rated first: Cuckoo and The Events at Mr. Yamamoto’s Alpine Residence.
Luz Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Luz 50% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 74/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in character & emotion (55).
Luz Echo Score Breakdown
The film stands out for its striking stylistic approach, though its narrative coherence and character depth are more uneven. In visual and sensory terms, the direction and design create a memorable retro-inflected horror atmosphere, yet some found the imagery numbing or overly abstruse. While its experimental pacing and cryptic plotting engage genre fans, they may challenge broader audiences. On balance, Luz offers a distinctive formalist exercise that achieves notable sensory impact despite varied story and character engagement.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 80
In terms of art and craft, Luz displays a confident formalist rigor and inventive editing that underlines its hypnotic aesthetic. Critics noted the atmospheric production design and measured pacing of shots that reinforce the retro thriller mood. However, a few found the visuals occasionally numbing or overly experimental. Overall, the film’s direction and stylistic choices provide a distinctive visual identity even when they verge on abstraction.
- Character & Emotion 55
When it comes to character and emotion, Luz offers uneven depth that may limit emotional resonance. Some viewers appreciated the gritty undertones and restrained performances that convey a haunting tension. Others found the relationships underdeveloped and the central figures insufficiently engaging to foster strong empathy. In sum, the acting and character dynamics support the film’s disquieting tone but leave the emotional core somewhat distant.
- Story & Flow 65
In terms of story and flow, Luz presents an idiosyncratic but sometimes elusive narrative puzzle. Its unconventional structure and deliberate pacing create an engaging mystery for genre enthusiasts. At the same time, the cryptic plotting and minimal exposition can undermine coherence and frustrate viewers seeking clarity. Overall, the film’s originality and atmospheric momentum are evident though the storyline remains prone to ambiguity.
- Sensory Experience 85
Regarding sensory experience, Luz excels in cultivating an immersive and unsettling atmosphere. The film’s evocative score and unsettling sound design intensify its retro horror aesthetic. Visual style, from stark lighting to textured color tones, consistently reinforces the eerie mood. Together, these elements deliver a powerful sensory impact that anchors the film’s formalist ambitions.
- Rewatch Factor 70
In terms of rewatch value, Luz shows potential for repeat viewing primarily among horror aficionados. Its layered formalist details and homage to genre influences invite closer inspection on subsequent viewings. However, the film’s obtuse narrative and sparse character engagement may limit its broader replay appeal. As a result, while lasting appeal is strong for a niche audience, the rewatch factor remains selective.
-
IMDb 4.9 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 50% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 98%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 63 Metascore
User score 4.5
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 52% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.2 /5
36 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Luz Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 trailers.
- Trailer UK Trailer
Luz Also Known As
7 alternative titles, including “超異能入侵” and “Очень странная девушка”.
- Also known as
-
- 超異能入侵
- Очень странная девушка
- Медиум [Luz (2018)]
- Медиум
- Лус
- 卢斯
- 러즈
Seen Luz?
Movies Like Luz
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Luz: The Flower of Evil, Luzifer and Luciferina.
Luz FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Luz, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Luz?
Luz runs 1 hour 10 minutes (70 minutes).
When was Luz released?
Luz was released on July 19, 2019.
Who directed Luz?
Luz was directed by Tilman Singer.
More films by Tilman Singer Who is in the cast of Luz?
Luz stars Julia Riedler as Nora Vanderkurt, Nadja Stübiger as Bertillon and Jan Bluthardt as Dr. Rossini, among 6 credited actors.
How is Luz rated?
Luz has 4.9/10 on IMDb, 50% on Rotten Tomatoes, 63 on Metacritic and 52% on TMDB.
Does Luz have a post-credit scene?
No. Luz has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
