The Light of the Moon

The Light of the Moon, directed by Jessica Bendinger and released in 2017, revolves around Lena Grant, a hardworking and independent woman in her late 20s, living with her long-term boyfriend Brian in New York City. The couple has a seemingly perfect life, filled with a beautiful relationship, loving friends, and a cozy little apartment in Brooklyn. However, during a walk home from an evening out with her girlfriends, Lena is confronted with an unforeseen, life-shattering event. On a quiet evening in the neighborhood, Lena is brutally sexually assaulted in a deserted alley. The traumatic experience leaves her shaken and questioning the very fabric of her reality. The aftermath of the attack triggers a downward spiral of self-loathing, paranoia, and anger within Lena, who finds it difficult to reconcile her experiences with the carefree, loving person she thought she was. Throughout the initial stages of healing, Lena attempts to convince herself that the assault was just a one-time incident, a random act of violence that will never happen again. She becomes increasingly dependent on Brian, clinging to his love and support, but at the same time resenting his inability to fully comprehend and empathize with her ordeal. Her friends and family also struggle to navigate this delicate situation, often blurting insensitive comments or unintentionally making her feel judged. As the reality of the attack slowly sets in, Lena finds herself grappling with the intricacies of her own identity. Her sense of security, safety, and trust has been severely compromised, leaving her with the daunting task of rediscovering her own vulnerability and intimacy. The physical and emotional pain from the assault creates an enormous barrier between her and Brian, as she becomes overwhelmed by the need to assert her agency and individuality. The couple's attempts to revive their sex life become a poignant representation of Lena's struggles to accept herself and reconnect with her former self. Her reluctance to initiate intimacy is rooted in the profound shame and self-hatred she harbors for what happened during the assault. The silence, fear, and tension surrounding sex create a deep rift in their relationship, forcing them to confront the harsh truth about their own emotional vulnerabilities. Brian's lack of understanding compounds Lena's pain, making him an inadequate source of support in this desperate time. His inability to connect her experience to the larger systemic issues of rape culture, victim-blaming, and societal apathy for survivors serves as a poignant reflection of the widespread disconnection between the public discourse on rape and the personal experience of survivors. As the months pass, Lena embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing, learning to prioritize her own needs and desires. She gradually breaks free from her toxic relationship with the past assault and starts to rebuild a connection with her own body and emotions. Her newfound assertiveness and introspection lead her to recognize the value in setting boundaries, communicating openly, and fostering healthy intimacy with her partner. Ultimately, The Light of the Moon is a moving portrayal of the long-lasting effects of rape and the resilience of the human spirit. By shedding light on the unseen consequences of assault on individuals and their relationships, the movie humanizes the survivor's experience and underscores the importance of empathy, compassion, and trust in healing and recovery.