I Saw the Light

R

Released Apr 1, 2016

2 hr. 3 min.

Biography

History

Drama

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List

19%

159 Reviews

Tomatometer

37%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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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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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

Jedi D

Though the actors deliver a great effort and many scenes are beautifully filmed, the movie lacks any energy. The story of Hank Williams deserved better.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

Full Review

Erica F

A wonderful movie. Deserves much more attention than it has received.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/05/22

Full Review

Audience Member

Over all a decent movie. Really good acting. I had a problem with the music 🎶 though. I used to listen to Hank Williams greatest hits when I was a kid. The thing is Hank was a very unique singer with a special gift. That is why he was so famous and sold all those records. Although the actor did an ok job at singing, it was just ok. He has a higher pitched voice than Hank and I felt this hurt the film. If you had never heard of Hank Williams you would probably be wondering what was so special about this guy? Unfortunately in the movie, all the Hank singing came off like a typical bar band doing Hank songs. It did not have the special emotional quality of the real Hank, and I think that hurt the movie.. They should have used original recordings.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

this film is indeed a waste of time, especially for tom hiddleston and elizabeth olsen who were featured in better films, such as infinity war

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

Full Review

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Marc Abraham

Director

Tom Hiddleston

Hank Williams

Elizabeth Olsen

Audrey Mae Williams

Bradley Whitford

Fred Rose

David Krumholtz

James Dolan

Cherry Jones

Lillie Williams

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I Saw the Light: Trailer 1

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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

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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
Executive Producer: Patty Long, Jason Cloth, John Raymonds, James Packer
Screenwriter: Marc Abraham
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Ratpac Entertainment, BRON Studios
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

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