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The Light between Oceans

War veteran Tom is surprised to be romanced by young local Isabel. Their isolated relationship is tested by tragedy, until a drifting rowboat brings hope into their lives – and a terrible dilemma.

In December 1918, traumatized ex-soldier Tom Sherbourne is hired as keeper to work alone for six months at a lighthouse on Janus Rock island, off Australia. On the mainland he meets joyful local girl Isabel Graysmark and they fall in love. After they marry Isabel moves to Janus Rock with Tom, now permanent in the job.

As time passes Isabel has two miscarriages. Just after her second loss Tom finds a rowboat drifted to shore with a dead man and a live baby girl aboard. Isabel persuades him to keep the baby as if she were their child, and he reluctantly agrees. Just before the baby’s baptism in town Tom sees local widow Hannah Roennfeldt praying in the churchyard and realises she is the child’s true mother. He writes her an anonymous note saying the missing girl is safe. A few years later when Hannah, daughter of local landowner Septimus Potts, is sent further proof that her child was found she has the influence to make sure there is a fuller investigation – and painful revelations result.

2 hours, 4 minutes

Last on

Music Played

  • Alexandre Desplat

    Light Between Oceans

  • Alexandre Desplat

    To Be Loved

  • Alexandre Desplat

    Light Between Oceans

  • Alexandre Desplat

    A Wonderful Father

  • The Academy of Ancient Music, Paul Goodwin

    Tavener: Funeral Canticle

  • Alexandre Desplat

    Light Between Oceans

  • Alexandre Desplat

    Light Between Oceans

  • Alexandre Desplat

    To Resent

  • Alexandre Desplat

    To Forgive

  • Alexandre Desplat

    Light Between Oceans

  • Alexandre Desplat

    Path of Light

Credits

Role Contributor
Director Derek Cianfrance
Writer Derek Cianfrance
Tom Sherbourne Michael Fassbender
Isabel Alicia Vikander
Hannah Roennfeldt Rachel Weisz
Ralph Addicott Jack Thompson
Septimus Potts Bryan Brown
Lucy-Grace Florence Clery
Bluey Smart Thomas Unger
Violet Graysmark Jane Menelaus
Bill Graysmark Garry McDonald
Sgt Vernon Knuckey Anthony Hayes
PC Harry Garstone Benedict Hardie
Gwen Potts Emily Barclay
Neville Whittnish Stephen Ure
Sgt Spragg Peter McCauley
Frank Roennfeldt Leon Ford

Broadcasts

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