Introduction:

The director of Stranger Things, Shawn Levy, is stepping away from his typical genre work with All the Light We Cannot See on Netflix. The epic drama is an adaptation of Anthony Doerr’s best-selling book.

“When I read the first draft of the first episode of the adaptation, my plan was to produce the show, maybe direct an episode,” Levy, 56, told PEOPLE.

(His production firm, 21 Laps, is also responsible for the films Arrival, the Night at the Museum trilogy, and Stranger Things.) “But after I read it, I knew I needed to do it all myself.”

In the realm of captivating storytelling, few series have captured the hearts of audiences like ‘Stranger Things.’ With its nostalgic 80s vibe and supernatural mysteries, the show has become a cultural phenomenon.

However, Shawn Levy, one of the masterminds behind ‘Stranger Things,’ recently surprised fans by venturing into a different realm of storytelling.

Levy expressed his desire to direct the adaptation of the critically acclaimed novel, ‘All the Light We Cannot See.’ In this blog post, we delve into Levy’s motivations and explore the emotional depth that drew him to this project.

1. A Departure from the Upside Down:

“I loved the book, I loved the adaptation,” he says in explanation. It also shared a connection with my earlier work in that it is essentially — and shamelessly — emotional.”

Levy said he never imagined working on a grand epic period drama like All the Light We Cannot See, despite the fact that he had recently made news for being a part of Taylor Swift’s inner circle.

 

Shawn Levy’s decision to direct ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ marks a significant departure from the sci-fi realm of ‘Stranger Things.’ The novel, written by Anthony Doerr, is a historical fiction masterpiece set during World War II.

Levy’s choice to explore a different genre showcases his versatility as a director and his willingness to embrace new challenges.

2. Unabashedly Emotional:

 

After gaining experience helming successful family movies like Night at the Museum and Cheaper by the Dozen, Levy shifted his focus to producing Stranger Things.

And directing pictures that were distinctly not suitable for a family audience, such as Deadpool, Free Guy, and The Adam Project, in collaboration with his close buddy Ryan Reynolds.

He continues, though, by saying that despite the apparent differences in his efforts, they are always driven by the same emotion: love.

Levy’s description of ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ as “unabashedly emotional” speaks volumes about the story’s impact.

The novel follows the lives of two young individuals, Marie-Laure and Werner, whose paths intertwine amidst the chaos of war.

Levy’s attraction to the emotional core of the story suggests a desire to delve into the complexities of human relationships and the resilience of the human spirit.

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3. Crafting a Visual Narrative:

As a director, Shawn Levy has demonstrated a keen eye for visual storytelling in ‘Stranger Things.’ With ‘All the Light We Cannot See,’ Levy has the opportunity to bring Doerr’s vivid descriptions to life on the screen.

From the enchanting streets of Paris to the haunting landscapes of Saint-Malo, Levy’s vision will play a crucial role in capturing the essence of the novel’s settings.

Starring Mark Ruffalo, Hugh Laurie, Louis Hofmann, and Aria Mia Loberti, All the Light We Cannot See is a faithful adaptation of the 2014 novel, which sold 15 million copies over its 200-week run on the New York Times Bestseller list.

It narrates the tale of Loberti, a blind French girl who, when Nazi Germany invades Paris, seeks safety from the war in her uncle’s coastal hamlet.

Eventually, she strikes up an odd friendship with Werner, a reticent German soldier (Hofmann.)

 

4. Honoring the Source Material:

‘All the Light We Cannot See’ has garnered widespread acclaim for its lyrical prose and intricate character development.

As a director, Levy faces the challenge of staying true to the essence of the novel while adapting it for the screen.

His passion for the project suggests a commitment to preserving the integrity of the source material and delivering a faithful adaptation that resonates with fans of the book.

Conclusion: All the Light We Cannot See

Shawn Levy’s decision to direct ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ showcases his artistic growth and willingness to explore new storytelling territories.

As fans eagerly await the release of this highly anticipated adaptation, Levy’s emphasis on the emotional depth of the story promises a cinematic experience that will leave a lasting impact.

With his unique directorial style and dedication to honoring the source material, Levy is poised to bring ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ to life in a way that captivates audiences and tugs at their heartstrings.