I can't speak about controller, but with mouse and keyboard I noticed that the sensitivity for that section is much smaller than on regular gameplay. So try putting the sensitivity to maximum for the moment (I haven't tested if these affect that part of the game - if they don't, try increasing sensitivity in Windows or in dedicated mouse software if available).

I can only hit it by aiming slightly above the light!

Same bug for me.
Used console (insert), noclip (once is on), approached door without touching the central
corridor, through wall. Once past the archway with the bottle on the right side, noclip (again is off).
Normal again opened the door, and could progress.
Note: If you noclip through the door without opening it, the room behind doesnt fully materialize (nor the corridor to the right of the door) and you can not progress.

If you are using pm_thirdPersonSimple 1, turn it off for this sequence.