Watch Before the Lights Come Up

Before the Lights Come Up is a 2013 drama film that tells the story of how three strangers with different backgrounds find themselves stuck in an elevator on New Year’s Eve. The movie features Ryan Schwartzman, Jennica Schwartzman, and Vanessa Reynolds as the lead stars. The film was directed by Jason Karman who also wrote the screenplay.

The opening scenes of the movie give us a glimpse into the lives of the three main characters. Megan (Vanessa Reynolds) is a successful businesswoman who has just landed a big deal on New Year's Eve. Alex (Ryan Schwartzman), a musician, is performing at a concert venue before the countdown to New Year's Eve. Lastly, Hailey (Jennica Schwartzman) is a bartender who is working her shift like any other night.

The film takes us on a journey through the hopes, dreams, fears, and secrets of the three characters as they find themselves stuck in the elevator. The situation forces them to confront each other and their own prejudices, fears, and aspirations. The encounter in the elevator provides the catalyst for the characters to grow, evolve and learn about themselves.

Although the movie only has three characters in it, the actors played their roles exceptionally well, making the audience feel like they were part of the story themselves. Vanessa Reynolds as Megan gave an excellent performance, portraying a strong-willed businesswoman well, while Ryan Schwartzman as Alex brought depth and sensitivity to his role as a musician. Jennica Schwartzman as Hailey was also impressive, playing the role of the tough and vulnerable bartender equally convincingly.

Throughout the movie, we see the characters go through a range of emotions—from anger to fear to joy and vulnerability. The dialogues are thought-provoking and insightful, leading us to reflect on our own beliefs, fears, and prejudices. By the end of the movie, we see the characters having grown and evolved, and we are left with a sense of hope and optimism.

The cinematography in the movie is also exceptional. The use of lighting, shadow, and colors is blended perfectly, adding to the ambiance and the mood of the film. The scenes shot in the elevator are particularly well-directed, keeping the tension and the suspense high, making the audience wonder how the characters would get out of the situation.

Overall, Before the Lights Come Up is a must-watch movie for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking dialogue, well-developed characters, good acting, and excellent cinematography. Set in a high-pressure situation, the movie uses the characters' differences to highlight the common themes of love, fear, and resilience. It is a reminder that, even in the darkest of situations, there is always room for growth, hope, and optimism.

Before the Lights Come Up is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.