Keep the Lights On Poster

Keep the Lights On 2012

★ 5.7102 votes102 min📅 2012-07-27

Set against the gritty backdrop of 1990s New York City, *Keep the Lights On (2012)* explores the complex love story between Erik, a struggling filmmaker, and Paul, a reserved lawyer still navigating his identity.

Director: Ira Sachs

Cast

Thure Lindhardt
Thure Lindhardt
Erik Rothman
Zachary Booth
Zachary Booth
Paul Lucy
Julianne Nicholson
Julianne Nicholson
Claire
Souléymane Sy Savané
Souléymane Sy Savané
Alassane
Justin Reinsilber
Dan
Ed Vassallo
Ed Vassallo
Thomas
Paprika Steen
Paprika Steen
Karen
Marilyn Neimark
Marilyn Neimark
Sebastian La Cause
Sebastian La Cause
Russ
Sarah Hess
Katie

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Keep the Lights On (2012) about?

The film follows Erik, a filmmaker, and Paul, a closeted lawyer, as their one-night encounter blossoms into a complicated relationship. As their bond intensifies, Erik grapples with the tension between his own desires and the expectations of a society still wrestling with acceptance.

Who directed Keep the Lights On?

Ira Sachs helmed this intimate drama, known for his nuanced storytelling that explores relationships and identity with emotional depth.

Who stars in Keep the Lights On?

The film features Thure Lindhardt as Erik, Zachary Booth as Paul, and Julianne Nicholson in a standout supporting role.

Is Keep the Lights On (2012) worth watching?

With its heartfelt performances and unflinching portrayal of love's complexities, *Keep the Lights On* is a compelling watch for fans of character-driven dramas. Its honest depiction of relationships in the 1990s resonates with themes of authenticity and acceptance.

How long is Keep the Lights On?

The film runs for 102 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Keep the Lights On (2012) — A raw, emotional journey of love and self-discovery in 1990s New York

Set against the gritty backdrop of 1990s New York City, *Keep the Lights On (2012)* explores the complex love story between Erik, a struggling filmmaker, and Paul, a reserved lawyer still navigating his identity. Directed by Ira Sachs, this intimate drama dives deep into the messy, often contradictory nature of relationships, where passion and secrecy collide. As their connection deepens, Erik finds himself torn between love and self-preservation, caught in a cycle of hope and heartache that mirrors the city's relentless pace. With its raw authenticity and emotional rawness, the film captures the bittersweet struggle of authenticity in a world that demands compromise.

The chemistry between Thure Lindhardt as Erik and Zachary Booth as Paul drives the narrative forward, revealing the vulnerabilities beneath their tough exteriors. Julianne Nicholson adds depth with her portrayal of a supportive yet conflicted figure in Erik's life. Blending romance with melancholy, *Keep the Lights On* is a poignant reflection on what it means to love openly when the world isn't ready to accept it. Shot in a naturalistic style, the film immerses viewers in an era where personal truths were still finding their voice.