Is And Then There Was Light Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, And Then There Was Light is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 137 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
And Then There Was Light Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2017, And Then There Was Light enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on On Mihama, one of Tokyo's outlying islands, Shinji witnesses the rape of his girlfriend and middle-school classmate, Haruka, then commits an irreversible crime. Under the direction of Tatsushi Ōmori, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Arata Iura. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, And Then There Was Light offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. While the 4K mastering highlights the production value, the pacing during its 137-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, And Then There Was Light resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, And Then There Was Light is available for streaming on U-NEXT. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of And Then There Was Light centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. On Mihama, one of Tokyo's outlying islands, Shinji witnesses the rape of his girlfriend and middle-school classmate, Haruka, then commits an irreversible crime. But the following day, the island is besieged by a tidal wave which wipes out everything. Twenty-five years later, Shinji has a wife and daughter. A childhood friend, Tasuku, presents himself to Shinji and discloses the real truth of his hidden past. Shinji will have to try and protect Haruka again. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2017 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of And Then There Was Light has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a And Then There Was Light sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for And Then There Was Light (2017): with an audience rating of 4.2/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, Mystery cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch And Then There Was Light Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
U-NEXT🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
And Then There Was Light has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.2/10, and global collection metrics, And Then There Was Light stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is And Then There Was Light movie hit or flop?
And Then There Was Light is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.2/10 and lower collections.
Is And Then There Was Light worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.2/10, And Then There Was Light may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch And Then There Was Light online?
And Then There Was Light is currently available for streaming on U-NEXT. You can also check for it on platforms like U-NEXT depending on your region.
Explore More Verdicts
More with Arata Iura
Education and Nationalism
Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: At a Confessional
Hijacked Youth – Dare To Stop Us 2
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is And Then There Was Light movie hit or flop?
And Then There Was Light is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.2/10 and lower collections.
Is And Then There Was Light worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.2/10, And Then There Was Light may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch And Then There Was Light online?
And Then There Was Light is currently available for streaming on U-NEXT. You can also check for it on platforms like U-NEXT depending on your region.
What is the story of And Then There Was Light?
And Then There Was Light is a Drama, Mystery movie that follows: On Mihama, one of Tokyo's outlying islands, Shinji witnesses the rape of his girlfriend and middle-school classmate, Haruka, then commits an irreversible crime. But the following day, the island is be...
Is And Then There Was Light family friendly?
And Then There Was Light is classified as Drama, Mystery. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is And Then There Was Light available in?
And Then There Was Light is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
On Mihama, one of Tokyo's outlying islands, Shinji witnesses the rape of his girlfriend and middle-school classmate, Haruka, then commits an irreversible crime. But the following day, the island is besieged by a tidal wave which wipes out everything. Twenty-five years later, Shinji has a wife and daughter. A childhood friend, Tasuku, presents himself to Shinji and discloses the real truth of his hidden past. Shinji will have to try and protect Haruka again.
Critic Reviews
No reviews found for this filter.