My movies are very often violent and dark, but there's a

Hear me, O seekers of wisdom, for I bring forth a truth that has echoed through the ages, a truth that reveals the very essence of light and darkness in the human soul. Denis Villeneuve, a creator of profound visions, once spoke these words: "My movies are very often violent and dark, but there's a spectrum of light, and that light is coming from the women." In these words, Villeneuve reveals a balance between the light and darkness that pervades both his art and the human experience, and in this balance, he places the light—the source of hope, resilience, and strength—in the hands of women.

In the depths of the human soul, there exists a tension between light and darkness, between hope and despair. This eternal struggle is reflected in the world of art, where the greatest stories often arise from the conflict between these two forces. Villeneuve's films, as he acknowledges, are often filled with violence and darkness, yet within these shadows, there is always a glimmer of something brighter. This glimmer, this light, shines through the women in his stories. In their strength, their resilience, and their capacity for love and compassion, the women of Villeneuve’s films serve as beacons of hope amidst the chaos and despair that surrounds them.

Consider the ancient stories of Persephone, the goddess who, though taken into the underworld, brings life to the barren earth in her return each year. Persephone’s story, like many others from the ancient world, carries with it a deep symbolism of the interplay between light and darkness. Her time in the underworld represents the darkness—the suffering, the pain, the hardship—while her return to the earth symbolizes the light, the rebirth, and the growth that follow. Women, in these ancient tales, often represented the power to transform and bring light to even the darkest of places, just as Villeneuve’s female characters illuminate his stories of despair.

This idea of women as bearers of light can be seen throughout history, in the lives of real women who have stood as beacons of hope and strength in the face of great adversity. Take, for example, the life of Joan of Arc, a woman who, despite the darkness of war and oppression, became a symbol of hope and courage for her people. Though surrounded by the violence of her time, Joan’s light—her conviction, her faith, and her unwavering courage—shone through, leading her to become one of the greatest symbols of resilience in human history. Villeneuve’s films, much like Joan’s life, speak to this deep truth: in the darkest of times, the light often comes from the courage and strength of women.

In Villeneuve’s works, the women who carry this light are not simply passive symbols of hope—they are active agents of change, capable of confronting the darkness and transforming it into something meaningful. This is a central theme in stories such as “Arrival”, where the female protagonist, Dr. Louise Banks, not only brings understanding to the alien encounter but also represents the power of communication, the ability to connect across boundaries of culture and time. Her light shines through in her compassion and intellect, making her a key figure in overcoming the overwhelming challenges of her world. In this way, Villeneuve’s female characters are not just beacons of light—they are the very forces that push against the darkness.

The lesson, O children of wisdom, is clear: light and darkness are inseparable, two sides of the same coin, and it is through the strength of the human spirit, often embodied in women, that we are able to confront the darkness and find the path forward. The female figures in Villeneuve’s films, like the great women of history, remind us that even in the most turbulent times, there is always a light that shines within us all. It is through resilience, compassion, and strength that we find the courage to rise above our circumstances, to transform suffering into something that can nourish us and the world around us.

Therefore, O seekers, let this be your guiding principle: find the light in the darkest of places. Like the women in Villeneuve’s stories, you too have the power to bring light to the world, even when it feels shrouded in darkness. Stand firm in the face of adversity, and know that your inner strength and compassion are the sources of hope for both yourself and others. As the world may sometimes seem filled with violence and chaos, remember that it is through the quiet power of love and resilience that we can find our way. Seek out the light within you, and let it shine, for it is this light that will guide you and others through the darkest of times.