People handle loss in different ways. Some are nonplussed by it and quickly move on with their lives while others become so emotional they can barely function. Ms. White Light is the story about a young woman who handles it very well. More correctly, Lex (Roberta Colindrez) is able to talk with people that are about to die better than she is anyone else.
It is a unique premise that allows for some very inspired moments. Lex is so good at talking to people on their death beds, families who are incapable of conversing with dying family members hire Lex to console them. The irony is, once that person has passed, Lex is unable to speak with the rest of the family. Thankfully, she keeps index cards that tell her what to say.
Ms. White Light is filled with darkly comedic moments like these. The film is not just a comedy, however. If it were just to rely on laughs, the movie would become tiresome very quickly. How often can the audience be asked to laugh when people in the movie are dying? Instead, the film infuses a lot of heart into its story. This ensures the gravity of what Lex is feeling is fully appreciated.
Lex is a very likable character. This is thanks in great part to the performance by Colindrez. She is a case of arrested development that does not become a cliche. She dresses like her father, is funny, sometimes bratty, and has a smart mouth. The rest of the cast also add to Ms. White Light. At times, the script can be overly long and labored. Strong acting always makes sure the film is watchable.
The story is a surprisingly fun one considering the subject matter. Ms. White Light obviously deals with mortality and how different people accept it. This is seen most poignantly in the interactions between Lex and Val (Judith Light). Val is a cancer patient that does not seem to care she is dying? Or is that just her defense mechanism?
Death can be a very difficult subject to tackle in movies. This is especially true in a comedy setting. Joke around too much and the severity of the moments are not appreciated. Take things too seriously and it can depress and turn off audiences. While Ms. White Light is not a straight comedy, it manages to take on the subject in an entertaining way.
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