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I Saw the Light

Play trailer 2:04 Poster for I Saw the Light R Released Apr 1, 2016 2h 3m Biography History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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20% Tomatometer 158 Reviews 38% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Singer and songwriter Hank Williams (Tom Hiddleston) rises to fame in the 1940s, but alcohol abuse and infidelity take a toll on his career and marriage to fellow musician Audrey Mae Williams (Elizabeth Olsen).
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I Saw the Light

I Saw the Light

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Critics Consensus

I Saw the Light boasts a terrifically talented cast, but their performances aren't enough to enliven an unfocused biopic that never comes close to capturing its subject's timeless appeal.

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Critics Reviews

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Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online I Saw the Light is one of those films that is instantly forgettable and a complete waste of talent from both Hiddleston and Olsen. Rated: D Mar 21, 2017 Full Review Kate Erbland IndieWire I Saw the Light doesn't just fail to illuminate Williams' complicated life and his prodigious talent; it can't even capture the dark corners of a man with more than enough to peer into. Rated: D Jan 2, 2017 Full Review Charlotte O'Sullivan London Evening Standard Bleak biopics don't have to be grim (think of Raging Bull). But this one is neither illuminating nor able to make the most of the dark. Rated: 3/5 May 8, 2016 Full Review Nikki Baughan AWFJ.org With some excellent cinematography from Dante Spinotti and a crowd-pleasing soundtrack, I Saw the Light should have an appeal that goes beyond the devoted Williams and Hiddleston fan bases. Sep 29, 2021 Full Review Olly Richards NME (New Musical Express) Strong performances aren't enough to make this more than a dreary flop that's only interested in playing one side of the record. Rated: 2/5 May 5, 2021 Full Review David Walsh World Socialist Web Site These are the sorts of important dramas and conflicts that a more serious work on Hank Williams' life and times might have raised. As it is, I Saw the Light is a pleasant film that does not go terribly deep. Feb 11, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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David F This film wasnt terrible, but it wasn’t great. Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of Hank Williams felt kinda whitewashed and too polite, while his voice wasn’t quite up to the task. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 07/21/25 Full Review Gabriel M As someone who's into country music, I Saw the Light was a huge disappointment. I first saw the trailer on the Miles Ahead DVD, and respectfully, that was enough for me. Right away, it was clear that Tom Hiddleston was miscast-he doesn't resemble Hank Williams at all, and his Southern accent feels forced and off-key throughout. This joins the list of poorly executed biopics, much like the 2023 TV miniseries Camilo Superstar, which I previously reviewed for its cheap production values, lack of consent and respect toward the real-life subject, and completely inauthentic casting. Hank Williams is a country music icon, and his story deserves a film with real heart, cultural authenticity, and a lead who can genuinely capture his spirit. Sadly, this film fails on all fronts. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 07/18/25 Full Review graham p Watched this on a plane. Loved Hiddleston actually singing the vocals. Really interesting insight into Williams which I had not previously delved into Since watching this I’ve played him more and more and have been up close and personal with his suits and guitars in the Ryman and the country hall of fame in Nashville. All on the back of seeing this movie. If you are a real fan of music and its history. Watch I saw the light Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/27/24 Full Review Blu S I loved this movie. Partly because of hiddleston and Olsen, but I loved the story it told. The plot is easily remembered, but tbe movie is a good one! Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 06/29/24 Full Review Nim T From a friend, I first heard of Hank Williams's songs and I had a liking to the country style and its simplistic words that entertained me with fun and love. When I was watching this film, Hank had an interesting, yet depressing life. I liked the cast because of the chemistry that they were able to show in the film. My complaint was that Tom Hiddleston was a little too old for this role, even though I commend his efforts in presenting this country legend. The likeliness of the voices do not necessarily match up, but nonetheless was average with enhancing the musical aspects that Hank Williams had. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 10/29/23 Full Review Georgan G It was nice to hear his music again, but the movie itself had no depth. Thought I might get an insight into his alcoholism, but nothing. Sad story of a short talented life. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Read all reviews
I Saw the Light

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Movie Info

Synopsis Singer and songwriter Hank Williams (Tom Hiddleston) rises to fame in the 1940s, but alcohol abuse and infidelity take a toll on his career and marriage to fellow musician Audrey Mae Williams (Elizabeth Olsen).
Director
Marc Abraham
Producer
Aaron L. Gilbert, Brett Ratner, G. Marq Roswell, Marc Abraham
Screenwriter
Marc Abraham
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co
BRON Studios, Ratpac Entertainment
Rating
R (Some Language|Brief Sexuality/Nudity)
Genre
Biography, History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 1, 2016, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 5, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$1.6M
Runtime
2h 3m
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