The Light Between Oceans

I'm just looking to get away from things for a little while.

Well, it's no paradise out on that island.

Just want to make sure you know what you're in for.

All due respect, Mr. Coughlan,

it's not likely to be tougher than the Western Front.

Oh, you're probably right about that.

You pay your own passage to every posting.

You're a relief worker so you don't get holidays.

I understand you're a single man.

No family.

So, that's a slight concern.

Wouldn't normally send a single man to Janus.

It's pretty remote and wife and family can be a great practical help,

not just a comfort.

But, seeing it's only temporary,

you leave for Port Partageuse in two days.

From there you'll be shipped off to Janus.

Welcome to Commonwealth Lighthouse Service.

Proud to have a man who served our country with such distinction amongst our ranks.

Ah! Mr. Sherbourne, right on time.

Come in, do.

Thank you very much.

Welcome to Partageuse.

Let me introduce you.

This'll probably be the guest of honor.

This is Mr. Tom Sherbourne, our new lightkeeper.

How do you do?

Cyril and Bertha Chipper.

How lovely to meet you.

Uh, Bill Graysmark.

- His wife, Violet... - How do you do?

- ...and their daughter... - How do you do?

Oh, she's around here somewhere. Well...

Mr. Sherbourne, can I tempt you?

Thank you very much.

Oh, Tom, that lighthouse of yours will be guiding ships

on the Northern Hemisphere

bringing wealth and prosperity to our land.

God knows we need it after this war.

It's been costly enough in more ways than one, eh?

Sir.

You think you're up for it?

We'll soon find out.

Oh, please. The last thing the poor man needs

are your tales of doom and gloom.

Told you she'd turn up.

This is Isabel Graysmark.

Isabel, meet Mr. Sherbourne.

Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sherbourne.

Ms. Graysmark.

Janus isn't a particularly popular posting.

You'll be the only living man for a good part of 100 miles in any direction.

I don't suppose they told you why the position became available?

Temporarily available.

Trimble will be back, and good as new in six months.

Just needs a bit of recuperation time, that's all.

- Is that all? - Uh...

Did they inform you, Mr. Sherbourne?

I don't believe anyone told me about the specifics.

Doesn't surprise me.

Trimble Docherty worked the light for nearly six years.

Without incident!

- Without incident. - Mmm.

Then he caused a stir

when he reported that his wife has been signaling the passing ships.

Unacceptable, of course, and for two reasons.

Signaling passing ships had long been forbidden precisely...

Obviously, he knows that.

What was the other reason?

His wife has been dead for two years.

Simple case of cabin fever plus a dose of grief, that's all.

Mr. Sherbourne should have been informed.

Long before he signed on the dotted line.

I certainly appreciate your telling me.

And I hope Trimble recovers from whatever is ailing him.

As for the isolation, I feel I'm prepared for it.

In fact, after France, the idea of a little time alone,

I welcome it.

Hear, hear.

Well said, Mr. Sherbourne.

Well said. Here's to the future.

- To the future. - To the future.

We wish you all the best.

All the best.

- All the best. - All the best.

Please look us up next time you're coming back through.

Been a pleasure meeting you all.

I think he was a very impressive young man.

Oh, yes. Well, he's just come home...

Too late to change your mind now, son.

Six months is nothing!

If you're not trying to hold your breath.

Goodbye, Tom.

Well done, Sherbourne.

You look as fit and well after three months

as any keeper I've seen.

Gentlemen.

Didn't expect to see you so soon.

Where's Trimble?

Hasluck wants to talk to you about that on shore.

Tom, thank you for coming.

Now, you'll probably wonder why we called you here.

We all thought Trimble was on the way to a swift recovery.

But, he threw himself over the cliff-face at Albany.

We haven't bothered to look elsewhere to fill the position.

You've proved yourself more than capable

and we'd like to offer you a three year contract on the post.

We're confident you won't let us down.

Mr. Sherbourne.

What a pleasant surprise!

Good afternoon.

I thought you were on your island.

Uh, Captain Hasluck offered me a job.

More of a permanent type post.

How wonderful. I want to hear all about it.

Won't you stay for lunch?

That'd be very nice.

Thank you.

You must have really impressed the Commonwealth.

Offering you the post after only three months.

I doubt there were many vying for the job.

Not a lot of men on the market these days.

Unfortunately, you're right, sir.

How long till you have to go back?

Couple of days.

What are your plans?

I'm sure there are a lot of details that he has to tidy up before he ships off.

He's offered to take me on a picnic tomorrow.

Oh, what a nice idea.

- Picnic? - Yes.

Hmm.

I think that's wonderful.

What's it like out there?

It's quiet.

There's time to think.

You get lonely?

Too busy. There's always something that needs fixing.

You like it?

You don't actually talk a lot, do you?

Do you ask out all the light keepers that go out to Janus?

All?

You're the first new one in years.

I can tell you lots about me.

My mom taught me the piano.

You still play?

Not that well.

My brothers used to tease me awfully when I played.

I lost both of them.

In the War.

Just must be so confusing for my parents.

I mean, if a wife loses a husband

she becomes a widow,

but if a parent loses a child

there's no special label for it.

You're still a mother or father.

Even if you no longer have a child.

Sometimes I wonder,

if I'm still technically a sister

now when my brothers are gone.

How long were you there, in the War?

Nearly four years.

You poor thing.

Must have made you numb.

My feet.

Made my feet numb, more often than not.

Frozen mud will do that to you.

What about your family?

Tell me about your parents.

My mother's dead.

What about your father?

No love lost there.

Was he strict with you?

Strict doesn't begin to describe it.

Still, though,

made army discipline easy.

I suppose it made it easier

being over there, knowing there'd be no one

heartbroken if they got the telegram.

Don't say such a thing.

Well, you asked.

Sometimes it's good to leave the past in the past.

So if I can't talk about the past,

am I allowed to talk about the future?

We can't rightly talk about the future if you think about it.

We can only talk about what we imagine or wish for.

It's not the same thing.

You're impossible.

So what do you wish for, then?

Life.

That'll do me, I reckon.

Take me out to Janus with you.

What?

I want to see it.

I want to see where you hide yourself away.

I'm afraid that that would be against Commonwealth rules.

The only woman allowed on Janus is the keeper's wife.

Then marry me.

What are you laughing at?

You'd have to have rocks in your head to want to marry me.

Better get you back home.