Every year we get a rich tapestry of stories that highlight people and places we don’t know well. These films from around the globe often tell beautifully intimate stories that stick with you after the credits roll. That’s the case with All We Imagine As Light, a film from India that is making a wider release in a number of places, such as Denver, this weekend.

The film comes from writer/director Payal Kapadia and it’s the story of two friends and co-workers who are seeking more in life. It beautifully captures the story of these women—and many like them—while showcasing their city.

In the film, Prabha (Kani Kusruti) and Anu ( Divya Prabha) are nurses in Mumbai. They are also roommates. But they have very different outlooks on life. Prabha was part of an arranged marriage as a younger woman, but her husband left to work in a factory in Germany. She hasn’t heard from him in a long time and she’s lonely, but unable to move forward because of her marriage.

Anu is young and in love. Her boyfriend, Shiaz (Hridhu Haroon), is a Muslim. Their relationship causes others to talk and Prabha to caution her young friend. But while Anu’s parents want to arrange a marriage for her, her heart belongs to Shiaz.

As Prahba and Anu accompany a former co-worker, Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam), to her home village, it gives them a chance to take stock of their lives and their future. As events unfold in the village, it has a profound impact on both women.

This is a simple story that’s beautifully told. It’s beautifully told not only in the way we walk alongside these characters, but in the way, Kapadia captures their lives, the city, and the small village they visit. There are beautiful shots and it’s engaging the way the film captures life in Mumbai and other places.

I enjoyed the opening sequence as well, as we hear more of the story of the women as we’re seeing images of life in the city. It’s a great way to draw you in and get you invested in the story. The performances are also strong. I particularly like Kusruti, whose work helps carry a large portion of the narrative. She’s so expressive in her eyes and facial expressions it helps draw you into her journey.

Overall, this is a beautifully crafted story that at times is deeply emotional. It’s a great showcase of this world and these women that’s worth checking out. It’s now in limited release.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.