Light of My Life 2019

Sci-Fi

Drama

Box Office

$1.4M

Runtime

119 min

Language

English

Made by

Saban Films

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Light of My Life (2019). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Almost a decade has passed since a devastating pandemic decimated the majority of the female population. Amidst this backdrop, Dad (Casey Affleck) embarks on a perilous journey across British Columbia with his daughter Rag (Anna Pniowsky), who is among the very few remaining females in existence. To shield her from predatory male bandits on the hunt for women, Dad disguises Rag as his son. Haunted by the promise he made to his late wife, Mom (Elisabeth Moss), Dad vows to share with Rag all there is to know about her mother.

After a few days in a wooded campsite, they seek refuge in an abandoned house. Their brief respite is shattered when four intruders attempt to break in, forcing them to escape once more. In desperation, Dad hijacks a car to reach his grandparents’ home, thinking it a safer haven.

Upon arrival, they discover that their sanctuary has been taken over by Tom (Tom Bower) and his companions, Calvin (Hrothgar Mathews) and Lemmy (Timothy Webber). Tom, a devout man, welcomes them with open arms. As evening falls, Dad and Rag stealthily relocate their possessions to a nearby cabin, a precaution for a “red alert”—a term for imminent danger that Dad employs to keep Rag cautious. The following morning, Tom teaches Rag how to handle a shotgun for protection.

Growing increasingly suspicious, Tom confronts Dad, questioning whether the “son” he sees is truly a daughter. Revealing the tragic loss of nine female relatives—eight to the virus and one to “a pack of monsters”—Tom’s concern deepens. Struck by the gravity of Tom’s story, Dad reveals the truth about Rag, displaying a family photograph, and explaining that Rag’s full name is Anna Elizabeth, affectionately shortened to Raggedy Ann.

Tragedy strikes when three men invade their temporary home, mercilessly slaying Tom and Lemmy, with Calvin betraying them to the attackers. Rag and Dad manage to hide in the attic, and he bravely lowers her out of a window before engaging the intruders. In a desperate battle, Dad succeeds in taking down two of the assailants, but faces near defeat at the hands of the last. Just when hope seems lost, Rag fires the shotgun to save her father but unintentionally injures him in the process.

They retreat to the cabin, and Rag dutifully removes the pellet from Dad’s wound. As he recuperates, a poignant flashback recalls his vow to Mom, promising to protect their daughter. Once Rag tends to his injury, Dad shares his plans to take them to the safe haven Tom spoke of. Overwhelmed with emotion, he breaks down, only to find solace in Rag’s comforting embrace, echoing the love that Mom used to provide.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Light of My Life (2019) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Pandemic Outbreak

A devastating pandemic sweeps across the globe, decimating the majority of the female population. As the world grapples with the loss, society changes dramatically, forcing survivors to adapt to a perilous new reality.

Dad and Rag's Journey Begins

Dad, portrayed by Casey Affleck, sets out on a dangerous journey across British Columbia with his daughter Rag. To protect her from the predatory men who are hunting for women, he disguises her as his son, showcasing the lengths a parent will go to keep their child safe.

British Columbia

Seeking Sanctuary

After several days of camping in the woods, Dad and Rag find an abandoned house to take refuge. Unfortunately, their moment of safety is shattered when four intruders try to break into their temporary shelter, forcing them to flee once again.

Wooded campsite

Hijacking for Safety

In a desperate bid to find safety, Dad hijacks a car in hopes of reaching his grandparents' home. This dramatic turn highlights the urgency of their situation as they race against time to evade threats.

Arrival at Grandparents' Home

Upon arriving at his grandparents' house, Dad discovers that it has been taken over by Tom and his companions. Instead of hostility, Tom welcomes them warmly, but underlying tensions suggest danger still looms.

Grandparents' home

Relocation for Safety

As evening descends, Dad and Rag decide to relocate their belongings to a nearby cabin as a precautionary measure. This 'red alert' signifies the constant threat they face in a world filled with danger.

Cabin

Learning to Defend

In a bid to prepare for potential threats, Tom teaches Rag how to handle a shotgun. This crucial moment emphasizes the loss of innocence in a brutal world and the need for survival skills at a young age.

Suspicion Arises

Tom grows increasingly suspicious of Dad, leading to a tense confrontation where he questions the true identity of the 'son'. The conversation reveals profound loss and establishes Tom's concern for Rag's wellbeing.

The Truth Revealed

Dad, in a moment of vulnerability, reveals Rag's true identity, showing a family photograph and sharing her full name. This revelation strengthens their bond while underscoring the harsh reality they live in.

Tragic Intrusion

Their brief sense of safety is violently disrupted when three men break into their hideout, resulting in the brutal deaths of Tom and Lemmy. Calvin's betrayal leaves Dad and Rag isolated and in dire peril.

Temporary home

A Desperate Fight

In a heart-pounding struggle, Dad fights off the intruders while ensuring Rag's safety by hiding her in the attic. His bravery showcases a father's instinct to protect his child at all costs.

Attic

Rag's Courage

As Dad faces near defeat, Rag heroically fires the shotgun to save him, but tragically, she accidentally injures him. This moment reinforces the complexities of their survival and the mistakes born out of fear.

Retreat and Recovery

Following the chaos, Dad and Rag retreat to the cabin where she diligently tends to his injury. Their deepening relationship highlights themes of compassion and resilience amidst overwhelming odds.

Cabin

Reflection on Loss

As Dad recuperates, he experiences a poignant flashback reminding him of the vow he made to his late wife, Mom. This connection to the past motivates him to protect and provide for Rag as best as he can.

Hope for the Future

After recovering, Dad shares his plans to take Rag to the safe haven that Tom spoke of, bringing a glimmer of hope. Their emotional exchange underscores the love and bond that remains unbreakable despite the world's devastation.

Characters

Explore all characters from Light of My Life (2019). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Dad (Casey Affleck)

Dad is a fiercely protective father who is determined to keep his daughter safe in a brutal, post-apocalyptic world. Haunted by the loss of his wife, his character embodies resilience and devotion, often pushing himself to the limits to fulfill the promise he made to her. His emotional struggles highlight the weight of grief and the responsibility of parenthood.

👨‍👧 Fatherhood 🦸‍♂️ Protector 😢 Grief

Rag (Anna Pniowsky)

Rag is a resourceful and brave young girl who faces the harsh realities of a world where she is among the last females. Disguised as a boy for safety, her character development emphasizes courage and adaptability, as she learns to navigate danger alongside her father. Despite her youthful innocence, she exhibits strength when it matters most.

👧 Resilience 🔫 Courage 🌱 Innocence

Mom (Elisabeth Moss)

Although she is not physically present, Mom's influence reverberates throughout the film. Her memory drives Dad's actions and decisions as he strives to honor her legacy. Her character symbolizes the deep bonds of love and commitment that endure despite loss.

❤️ Love 🌟 Memory 💔 Loss

Tom (Tom Bower)

Tom is a devout man who, despite his own losses, welcomes Dad and Rag into his home. His character represents the complexities of trust and suspicion in a fractured world. Through his experiences, Tom provides valuable lessons about survival and the connections that can still be found among the ruins.

🤝 Trust 🕊️ Faith ⚖️ Morality

Setting

Learn where and when Light of My Life (2019) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

Post-Pandemic Era

Set almost a decade after a devastating pandemic that wiped out most of the female population, the world has become perilous and dominated by male aggressors. This time period is marked by fear, survival instincts, and the tragic loss of family connections. The struggles of the remaining survivors highlight the emotional and physical toll of this new reality.

Location

British Columbia, Abandoned House, Cabin

The movie primarily unfolds in the rugged wilderness of British Columbia, known for its vast landscapes and dense forests. An abandoned house serves as a temporary refuge for Dad and Rag, highlighting the desolation following the pandemic. The nearby cabin represents both a place of safety and a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows.

🏞️ Wilderness 🏠 Shelter 🏡 Safety

Themes

Discover the main themes in Light of My Life (2019). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🛡️

Protection

The theme of protection is central to the relationship between Dad and Rag, as he goes to great lengths to shield her from harm. This protective instinct stems from a promise made to Mom, emphasizing the deep bond of love that transcends loss. The constant threat they face showcases the lengths one will go to ensure the safety of loved ones.

🔫

Survival

Survival is a pervasive theme throughout the narrative, with Dad and Rag navigating treacherous environments and confronting male bandits. The hostile world forces them to rely on their wits and newfound skills, such as handling weapons. Each encounter brings them closer to understanding the harsh realities of their existence and the need for resilience.

💔

Loss

Loss echoes throughout the film, as Dad reminisces about his late wife and the nine female relatives lost to the virus and violence. This theme emphasizes the emotional scars left by the pandemic, shaping the characters’ motivations and relationships. It serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of grief.

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