Premiering May 2, 2025, in theaters, I’m Beginning to See the Light is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of loss and renewal. At its heart is Hannah, a grief-stricken trumpeter (Abbie Cornish), who finds unexpected solace in a remote lighthouse alongside two troubled strangers (Jamie Chung and Lucy Punch). This poignant tale of fractured souls colliding is brought to life by a stellar ensemble, blending seasoned actors and rising talents. Meet the cast illuminating this story of darkness and dawn.
Introducing the Cast of I’m Beginning to See the Light
1: Abbie Cornish as Hannah
Born August 7, 1982, in Lochinvar, Australia, Abbie Cornish first captivated audiences with her raw performance in Somersault (2004), winning the Australian Film Institute Award. She soared to international fame as poet Fanny Brawne in Bright Star (2009) and showcased action chops in Sucker Punch (2011). A former hip-hop artist, Cornish’s introspective depth makes her a perfect fit for Hannah, a musician silenced by grief.
Cornish’s recent work in The Girlfriend Experience (2016–2017) and indie film Lavender (2023) highlights her affinity for complex women. To prepare for I’m Beginning to See the Light, she learned trumpet basics and studied grief counseling case studies. Off-screen, she advocates for mental health and sustainable farming, grounding her art in real-world purpose.
2: Jamie Chung as Sarah
Jamie Chung (born April 10, 1983, in San Francisco) transitioned from reality TV (The Real World: San Diego, 2004) to acclaimed roles in Once Upon a Time (2013–2018) and The Gifted (2018–2019). As Sarah, a visitor grappling with despair, Chung channels her Korean-American heritage and advocacy for Asian representation. Her role required immersion in suicide survivor narratives, a challenge she approached with empathy honed from her documentary Abandoned (2022), about adoptees.
Chung’s production company, Mochi Media, prioritizes diverse storytelling. Recently seen in Dexter: New Blood (2023), she balances Hollywood grit with quiet indie projects. “Sarah isn’t broken—she’s a prism waiting for light,” Chung says of her character.
3: Lucy Punch as Sheryl
British actress Lucy Punch (born December 30, 1977) masterfully balances comedy (Bad Teacher, 2011) and drama (Into the Woods, 2014). As Sheryl, the lighthouse’s second visitor, Punch taps into her stage roots (Royal Court Theatre) to portray a woman oscillating between wit and despair. Her preparation included studying absurdist plays to capture Sheryl’s fractured psyche.
Off-screen, Punch is a vocal LGBTQ+ ally and environmental activist. Her recent role in Motherland (2021–2023) showcased her knack for layered humor, but I’m Beginning to See the Light reveals new depths. “Sheryl’s laughter hides a scream,” Punch notes.
4: Jack Huston as Ezra
Jack Huston (born December 7, 1982), scion of Hollywood’s Huston dynasty, broke out as disfigured war veteran Richard Harrow in Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014). As Ezra, the lighthouse’s enigmatic keeper, Huston channels his family’s legacy of brooding intensity (Ben-Hur, 2016) while adding a mystic touch inspired by his love of Kafka.
Huston’s recent indie work (The Irishman, 2019) and passion for painting inform Ezra’s artistic solitude. “He’s a guardian of secrets, not just a caretaker,” Huston says. Off-camera, he supports refugee aid organizations, echoing Ezra’s role as a reluctant savior.
5: Mark Boone Junior as Burly Man
Mark Boone Junior (born March 17, 1955) is a character actor icon, known for Sons of Anarchy (2008–2014) and Memento (2000). As the gruff Burly Man, a local with cryptic wisdom, Boone Junior’s gravelly voice and lived-in presence anchor the film’s coastal grit.
A motorcycle enthusiast and abstract painter, Boone Junior infuses his roles with blue-collar authenticity. Recently in The Mandalorian (2023), he calls this his “most tender role yet—a rough shell with a soft center.”
6: Brandon T. Jackson as Sam
Brandon T. Jackson (born March 7, 1984) rose to fame in Tropic Thunder (2008) and the Percy Jackson films. As Sam, Hannah’s jovial-but-wounded brother, Jackson blends his stand-up roots with dramatic chops honed in Grown Ups 2 (2013) and Mr. Robinson (2015).
Jackson’s advocacy for addiction recovery—drawing from his father’s struggles—informs Sam’s arc. Up next, he stars in Detroit Dreams (2025), but I’m Beginning to See the Light showcases his evolution from comic relief to emotional anchor.
7: David Lee Smith as Larry
David Lee Smith (born 1963), best known as the enigmatic scholar in The Man from Earth (2007), brings quiet gravitas to Larry, a reclusive fisherman. Smith’s indie film background and love of philosophy mirror Larry’s introspective nature.
A former stage actor, Smith’s minimalist style amplifies Larry’s haunting presence. “He’s a man who speaks only when the sea listens,” Smith muses.
8: Jonathan Medina as Man in Vest
Bronx-born Jonathan Medina (born 1987), a former Marine turned actor, injects raw physicality into the Man in Vest, a shadowy figure haunting the lighthouse. Medina’s roles in Orange Is the New Black (2016) and Power Book II: Ghost (2023) showcase his knack for simmering tension.
Medina, a mentor for at-risk youth, drew from his Puerto Rican roots to shape the character’s silent resilience. “Sometimes danger isn’t loud—it’s a whisper,” he says.
9: Daniel Riechert
German actor Daniel Riechert, a stage veteran from Berlin’s Deutsches Theater, makes his U.S. film debut as a mysterious traveler. His work in Brechtian theater and fluency in physical storytelling add an otherworldly edge to his brief but pivotal role.
Riechert’s preparation included studying lighthouses’ historical roles as beacons and tombs. “This character is both—a guide and a warning,” he explains.
10: Jayne Taini as Mama
Jayne Taini (born 1950), a veteran character actress and voice artist (Finding Nemo), embodies Mama, the lighthouse’s spectral former keeper. Taini’s 40-year career, spanning Seinfeld to The Grinch (2018), informs her haunting yet maternal performance.
A champion of aging artists, Taini infuses Mama with “the kind of love that outlives breath.”
11: Michael Sullivan as Jazz Club Audience
Stage actor Michael Sullivan (born 1985), known for off-Broadway’s The Band’s Visit, brings unspoken history to his background role. His silent presence in Hannah’s flashbacks echoes the film’s theme of memory as both burden and gift.
12: Reginald James as Club Manager
Reginald James, a Broadway regular (Hamilton, Jersey Boys), lends his commanding voice to the Jazz Club Manager. His transition from musical theater to film mirrors the story’s blend of melody and silence.
