Festival of Lights

It opens our eyes to a subculture about which most of us know very little, but it is so unsteady in its focus that interest wanes.

Complex story twists unfold to confusing effect, while characters angrily toss cliches at one another and revelations multiply rather than resolve murky plot developments.

A novel cultural focus, highlighting Guyanese citizens of Indian ancestry, isn't enough to sustain interest in the lifeless film, which will attract few outside the Indo-Guyanese community.

Little girls never stop loving their daddies in Festival of Lights, a drama that never stops loving soap-opera-style melodramatics.

It ends up being largely just another story about a rebellious American teenager.

Prasad has a hard time keeping her bulging narrative straight; the twitchy editing, jarring close-ups and bobbing camera only muddle the audience.

Fifteen minutes into Festival of Lights you come to the discouraging realization that you know every infuriating plot beat that will follow.