Film Review of 'Light My Fire' by Jibril Naab

Jibril Naab- BFAFD28014 

‘Light My Fire’ begins as a fiery, hot-tempered story but gradually evolves into something far more emotional and introspective. At its core, the film explores themes of abuse, fatherhood, and the complex relationships between parents and children.

The plot follows a father enraged after discovering that a boy has hit his daughter. Fueled by anger, he drives to the boy’s house, where he is met by the boy’s father. What initially seems like a confrontation spirals into an unexpected moment of revelation. Through his interaction with the boy and his father, the man experiences a powerful epiphany. This turning point shifts the film’s tone from one of rage to reflection, emphasizing the cyclical nature of abuse.

The characters are well-developed and their performances believable. The standout performance, for me, came from the boy’s father. He is introduced as calm and composed, but when he disciplines his son, he transforms into an aggressive and abusive figure. This contrast suggests the root of the boy’s violent behavior — abuse learned at home. The daughter, on the other hand, appears emotionally distant, further hinting at a strained relationship with her own father.

In terms of cinematography, the film is beautifully crafted. The visuals are not only striking but help to advance the emotional undertone of the story. One of my favorite shots is in the opening scene: amidst loud celebratory fireworks, an angry man storms out of his house and into his car, cursing as he goes. Another powerful moment occurs during his drive — as his rage intensifies, he changes the radio station, turning the dial from 95.9 to 96.1. This small but symbolic action cleverly illustrates the rise in his anger.

The use of the American flag and the fireworks clearly indicates the setting (June 4th celebrations), but they also serve a thematic purpose, representing the explosive emotions that underpin the narrative. A particularly intimate moment is the scene where the father sits with his daughter at the dinner table. The framing makes it feel as though we, the audience, are intruding on a private, painful moment. Similarly, the scene of the girl sobbing in a dimly lit bathroom, surrounded by muted tones, amplifies the sense of sadness and isolation.

The sound design is another major strength. The film uses upbeat music and the booming sounds of fireworks to mirror the protagonist's escalating rage. At the climax, as the man confronts the boy, the barking of a dog heightens the tension, reinforcing the chaotic atmosphere. The dialogue and sound effects are clear and well-balanced, and the score transitions smoothly from aggressive and loud to calm and gentle, reflecting the emotional arc of the story.

‘Light My Fire’ exceeded my expectations. Its strongest elements are its cinematography and sound design, both of which enrich the storytelling. While the dialogue delivery could have been slightly more polished, the emotional weight of the performances was impactful. The film left a lasting impression, especially in how it addresses the perpetuation of violence within families. It offers a sobering message: children often replicate the abuse they witness at home. For its emotional depth and artistic execution, I would definitely recommend this film to others.