STILLWATER REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

In 2016, Tom McCarthy directed Spotlight which was a compelling drama starring a talented ensemble cast including Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams. Following its release, it was lauded by critics who praised the film’s handling of a dark subject. At the 88th Academy Awards, Spotlight won the Oscar for Best Picture. Because of this, expectations were high for McCarthy’s next drama, Stillwater, however, is it as impressive as Spotlight?

Unemployed roughneck Bill Baker (Matt Damon) travels from Oklahoma to Marseille to visit his estranged daughter Allison (Abigail Breslin) who has been imprisoned for a murder she claims she did not commit. Allison seizes on a new tip that could exonerate her and presses Bill to engage her legal team but Bill. eager to prove his worth and regain his daughters trust, takes matters into his own hands. He is quickly stymied by language barriers, cultural differences, and a complicated legal system until he meets French actress Virginie (Camille Cottin), mother to eight-year-old Maya (Lilou Siauvaud). Together, these unlikely allies embark on a journey of discovery, truth, love and liberation.

Although Stillwater probably won’t be as successful as Spotlight at next year’s Academy Awards, I still found it to be an engrossing drama. The standout aspect of Stillwater is the performances delivered by its talented cast. Damon is almost unrecognisable underneath Bill’s cap, sunglasses and beard and captures his determination to free his daughter. Breslin is best known for her memorable performance in the Oscar winning 2006 film, Little Miss Sunshine, and in the horror-based comedies, Zombieland and its sequel, Double Tap, which was released in 2019. However, as Allison, Breslin delivers one of her most impressive performances. Cottin delivers a heartfelt supporting role as Virginie. I’m glad that she wasn’t written as a simple love interest for Bill. Young Lilou Siauvaud is a scene stealer as her daughter, Maya. What’s most impressive about Siauvaud is that she handles the dramatic scenes really well.

For the majority of its 140 minute runtime, Stillwater is never anything less than a serious and twisted drama. While I think that it’s worth a watch for the strong performances and fascinating story, I can imagine that many will find it to be a difficult watch as the intensity increases, especially towards the end. A late sequence sees Bill kidnapping a suspect he believes is responsible for murder and keeps him in the basement. Although this shows how determined Bill is to prove his daughter’s innocence, his actions are problematic. I think that this is where Stillwater was at its most thought provoking. Bill’s actions have a big impact on his relationships with Virginie and Maya, something he regrets. Damon is known for his roles as charming main characters, including Jason Bourne in the Bourne franchise and as astronaut Mark Watney in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi drama, The Martian, so it was refreshing to see him portray a flawed character who isn’t the most likeable.

Since Stillwater’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last month, it’s been received well by critics, with the majority of them saying that its “thoughtful approach to intelligent themes gives it a steadily building power”. I agree with what they’re saying as the first hour is where Stillwater is at its weakest as it focuses on introducing the characters and their situation. The film is at its most compelling during its final hour which sees Bill taking matters into his own hands. During the later scenes, some may be wondering what they would do in his situation, making it a thought provoking drama,

While Stillwater is a well-made drama with impressive performances delivered by its cast, it’s hard to say whether it will be remembered during award season next year. I think that Damon could potentially be nominated for his performance, however, I won’t be surprised if he’s overlooked.

With Stillwater, director Tom McCarthy has created an engrossing drama with Matt Damon delivering one of his most impressive performances.

7/10