The Subtle Brilliance of Lanternfly: A Poetic Ode to the Overlooked
In a city that never sleeps, where ambition drowns out subtle beauty, Lanternfly emerges as a quiet yet powerful meditation on visibility, resilience, and connection. Directed by and starring Kristin Mounts, this mesmerizing short film invites audiences into the world of Althea, a woman who finds solace among nature’s often-ignored creatures. When a mysterious stranger presents her with an opportunity for recognition, she is forced to confront the fine line between being seen and truly understood.
From the opening frame, Lanternfly captivates with its exquisite cinematography. The film begins with a stunning macro shot of a lanternfly, setting the tone for a story that thrives on intricate details. Mounts’ directorial eye transforms New York City into more than just a backdrop — it becomes a living, breathing entity, a silent but ever-present character shaping Althea’s journey. Nowhere is this more evident than in the breathtaking rooftop scene, where the skyline looms large, both isolating and embracing our protagonist.
Music plays an integral role in Lanternfly, with Mounts making an inspired choice by incorporating a delicate yet evocative piano score. The music intertwines seamlessly with the cinematography, creating an almost hypnotic rhythm that mirrors Althea’s internal struggle. This thoughtful fusion of sound and visuals elevates the film’s emotional depth, making even the quietest moments resonate profoundly.
Kristin Mounts delivers a compelling performance, balancing vulnerability and strength with remarkable nuance. Juggling the dual responsibilities of lead actor and director is no small feat, yet she does so effortlessly, proving herself as a multifaceted talent to watch. Alongside a small but effective supporting cast, Mounts cultivates the film’s essence — intimate, poetic, and deeply introspective.
Despite its tranquil nature, Lanternfly carries a quiet intensity. Its beauty is undeniable, but beneath its surface lies a poignant sadness that lingers long after the final frame. The ending, subtle yet deeply affecting, leaves the audience in a reflective silence, encouraging them to reconsider the unseen forces shaping their own lives.
With only a handful of actors and a tightly woven narrative, Lanternfly succeeds in creating something profoundly moving. It is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking — proof that a simple story, when executed with precision and heart, can leave an indelible mark. Kristin Mounts has crafted a film that not only highlights her skills as a director and performer but also reminds us that sometimes, the most beautiful things are the ones we fail to notice.
Kristin’s unique career path is driven by a deep curiosity about human experience — how we express it, understand it, and heal it. She is in her the 5th year of the dual MD-PhD program at Columbia University in NYC, where she bridges her medical and scientific training with creative practice. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience from George Washington University and a Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience from the University of Tübingen, Germany. She has been involved in the performing arts as an actress and musician since childhood. Lanternfly marked a major milestone as the first production she wrote, directed, and performed in.
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Review by Darwin Reina
Filmmaker — Festival Director
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