In a world where TV often bombards us with constant war news, you might not be in the mood for a scripted show about war, even one set in the distant past like World War II. But there’s something special about “All the Light We Cannot See,” the fresh Netflix miniseries that lasts four hours. It’s a story that’s worth your time, and it brings a glimmer of hope in the midst of wartime darkness and despair, as the title suggests. So, even though war might not be your go-to choice for entertainment, give this series a chance – it’s a heartwarming tale that stands out.
All the Light We Cannot See is like a puzzle that unfolds in different time periods and through various viewpoints. It’s as if you’re gathering pieces of a story that eventually fit together perfectly. The story mainly revolves around two young kids: Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German boy with a knack for fixing radios. Marie-Laure loves listening to a radio show for kids, hosted by a mysterious guy named the Professor. These two kids are at the heart of a captivating journey that connects their lives in surprising ways.
In the beautiful city of Paris, a girl named Marie-Laure finds inspiration in messages of hope from someone known as the Professor. Meanwhile, in Germany, a boy named Werner also hears these uplifting broadcasts, but his life takes a dark turn when he is forced to join the Nazis.
As time passes in the story, the key characters undergo changes and new faces join the cast. Werner, who is brought to life by the actor Louis Hofmann, has grown into a teenager. He’s been trained by the Nazis and is sent on a mission to locate individuals who are using forbidden radios.
Meanwhile, Marie-Laure, portrayed by Aria Mia Loberti, flees Paris on foot during the Nazi rule, clutching her suitcases. Her father, Daniel, played by Mark Ruffalo, is a museum director who is quietly relocating precious museum artifacts to protect them from harm.
Their adventure as refugees brings them to the seaside town of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure’s uncle Etienne, portrayed by Hugh Laurie, works with the French resistance. Meanwhile, Werner, a young Nazi soldier, is ordered to track down people operating illegal radios in the area. When Marie-Laure stumbles upon the hidden place where the Professor once broadcasted messages of hope, she decides to follow in his footsteps and carry on his legacy.
This situation endangers both Marie-Laure and her father, as they are pursued not only by Werner, a conflicted Nazi, but also by other Nazis. One of the most powerful aspects of the book “All the Light We Cannot See” is Werner’s inner struggle with his conscience.
Additionally, Laurie, a war veteran dealing with agoraphobia, is a touching character. However, the most compelling and memorable character in the story is Marie-Laure, who truly resonates with readers.
Loberti, the actress who portrays the young woman in this Netflix drama, is legally blind. What’s remarkable is that this is her first ever professional acting job. I didn’t even know about her condition until after watching all four hours of the show.
I’m still amazed by how confidently and skillfully she handles the challenges of her leading role. The creators of the series, Shawn Levy and Steven Knight, who both directed and wrote it, didn’t just choose someone for a tough role, they also uncovered a hidden gem of a talented new actor.
