The Light of the Moon (2017): Cast, Ratings & Plot
The Light of the Moon is a 2017 drama directed by Jessica M. Thompson, starring Stephanie Beatriz as Bonnie, Michael Stahl-David and Conrad Ricamora. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes. Critics gave it 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 30m (90 min)
- Director
- Jessica M. Thompson
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Imagination Worldwide
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Light of the Moon About?
The premise of The Light of the Moon without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
After a violent attack in Brooklyn, architect Bonnie struggles to cope with the trauma and keep it hidden from her boyfriend, Matt. As she tries to heal and rebuild their intimacy, the emotional scars begin to surface, revealing underlying vulnerabilities and fractures within their relationship. Bonnie's journey becomes a difficult exploration of recovery, confronting the past, and the challenges of regaining trust and connection.
The Light of the Moon Themes & Keywords
· 33 tags- rape
- sex scene
- oral sex
- rape trauma
- new york city
- advertising agent
- architect
- bushwick brooklyn new york city
- getting drunk
- male gay best friend
- snorting cocaine
- stolen driver's license
+21 more Show fewer
- police report
- hospital examination
- morning after pill
- therapy group
- police lineup
- inability to cope
- reference to syracuse university
- dna
- attorney
- temporary separation
- mother daughter relationship
- astronomical object in title
- boyfriend girlfriend relationship
- rape victim
- female rape victim
- title directed by female
- brooklyn new york city
- gay friend
- gay character
- trauma
- sexual assault
The Light of the Moon Cast & Characters
Stephanie Beatriz leads the cast as Bonnie, with Michael Stahl-David as Matt and Conrad Ricamora as Jack. Directed by Jessica M. Thompson; 11 actors are credited in all.
- Director Jessica M. Thompson
-
Stephanie Beatriz as Bonnie - Michael Stahl-David as Matt
-
Conrad Ricamora as Jack -
Catherine Curtin
Also Starring in The Light of the Moon
· 7 more- Cindy Cheung Joanna
- Olga Merediz
- Craig Walker
- Susan Heyward Grace
- Cara Loften Priya
- Christian Barber
- Heather Simms Detective Miller
More from Jessica M. Thompson
One more film directed by Jessica M. Thompson: The Invitation.
The Light of the Moon Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Light of the Moon 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 86/100, strongest in character & emotion (92) and weakest in rewatch factor (75).
The Light of the Moon Echo Score Breakdown
The Light of the Moon excels as a candid and focused exploration of post-traumatic recovery. Its direction employs a restrained visual style and streamlined structure to reinforce the narrative’s emotional clarity. Strong lead performances anchor a script that balances sensitivity with frankness, while the understated sensory design minimizes distractions. Although the film’s heavy subject matter may limit frequent revisits, its sincere dramatization and empathetic character work ensure a lasting impact. Overall, it stands out as a thoughtfully constructed drama with enduring resonance.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 87
In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates a deliberately restrained and effective directorial approach. Critics and viewers note the streamlined pacing and long takes that foster an intimate visual style. The naturalistic cinematography supports the narrative without distracting flourishes. Overall, the technical choices convey the story’s gravity with cohesive production design and editing that subtly underscore emotional beats.
- Character & Emotion 92
When it comes to character and emotion, the film hinges on deeply felt performances. The lead delivers a richly layered portrayal that conveys vulnerability and resilience, while supporting roles exhibit authentic chemistry and emotional depth. The relationship dynamics are handled with sensitivity, avoiding melodrama. Overall, the film offers compelling character development that resonates long after the credits roll.
- Story & Flow 88
In terms of story and flow, the narrative unfolds with measured pacing and clear structure. The script navigates a sensitive subject matter with nuance, avoiding clichés while maintaining engagement through realistic dialogue and steadily building tension. The straightforward plot allows emotional moments to land with impact. Ultimately, the film’s coherent storytelling results in a focused and meaningful viewing experience.
- Sensory Experience 80
When it comes to sensory experience, the film adopts a low-frills aesthetic that emphasizes naturalism over spectacle. The sound design and score remain understated, supporting scenes without drawing attention. Visual cohesion is achieved through a muted color palette and unobtrusive editing. Overall, this restrained sensory approach enhances immersion and aligns with the film’s sober subject matter.
- Rewatch Factor 75
Regarding rewatch factor, the film’s unflinching exploration of trauma offers lasting insight but may limit repeated viewings. The emotional weight and realistic presentation encourage reflection on subsequent watches, even if the intensity poses a barrier for some audiences. Overall, while the film stays with viewers, its weighty tone suggests moderate replay value focused on its thematic depth.
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IMDb 6.3 /10
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 76 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 64% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.6 /5
6 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 2.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
The Light of the Moon Plot Summary
What happens in The Light of the Moon from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Bonnie, portrayed by Stephanie Beatriz, is a dedicated architect flourishing in Bushwick, Brooklyn. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when her boyfriend, Matt, played by Michael Stahl-David, cancels their evening plans due to a last-minute work obligation. In search of distraction, Bonnie heads out with colleagues for a night at the bar, where she indulges in drinks for a fleeting escape from reality. But the carefree atmosphere quickly dissipates as she encounters unwelcome advances on the dance floor. Trying to regain her poise, she opts to walk home alone, headphones in, attempting to silence the chaos around her.
Full summary
The whole story of The Light of the Moon, scene by scene
The Light of the Moon Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Light of the Moon.
How Well Do You Know The Light of the Moon?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
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- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the main character in 'The Light of the Moon'?
Cars in The Light of the Moon
8 cars on screen, including the 1956 Ford Zephyr Zodiac MkI and the 1923 Rugby.
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1956 Ford Zephyr Zodiac MkI Important role -
1923 Rugby Important role -
Ford Model T Background role -
Ford Model T Background role
The Light of the Moon Also Known As
4 alternative titles, including “月亮之光” and “Свет луны”.
- Also known as
-
- 月亮之光
- Свет луны
- La luz de la Luna
- 더 라이트 오브 더 문
Seen The Light of the Moon?
Movies Like The Light of the Moon
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Moon in the Gutter, Moon, Star and Sun and Moonrise.
The Light of the Moon FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Light of the Moon, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Light of the Moon?
The Light of the Moon runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).
When was The Light of the Moon released?
The Light of the Moon was released on November 1, 2017.
Who directed The Light of the Moon?
The Light of the Moon was directed by Jessica M. Thompson.
More films by Jessica M. Thompson Who is in the cast of The Light of the Moon?
The Light of the Moon stars Stephanie Beatriz as Bonnie, Michael Stahl-David as Matt and Conrad Ricamora as Jack, among 11 credited actors.
How is The Light of the Moon rated?
The Light of the Moon has 6.3/10 on IMDb, 76 on Metacritic, 64% on TMDB and 3.6/5 on Letterboxd.
Does The Light of the Moon have a post-credit scene?
No. The Light of the Moon has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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