Stillwater review (Exclusive Series) (Now Playing at the Dietrich)

Studios: Focus Features/Participant/DreamWorks Pictures/Anonymous Content

Tagline: Secrets run deep

Plot: An American oil rig roughneck travels to Marseilles, France to visit his estranged daughter in prison for a murder she claims she didn’t commit. Confronted with language barriers, cultural differences and a complicated legal system, he soon builds a new life for himself as he makes it his personal mission to exonerate her.

Cast

Matt Damon (Ford v Ferrari) - Bill

Camille Cottin (Allied) - Virginie

Abigail Breslin (Zombieland: Double Tap) - Allison

Lilou Siauvaud - Maya

Deanna Dunagan (The Visit) - Sharon

William Nadylam (Fantastic Beasts 2) - Patrick

Idir Azougli - Akim

Anne Le Ny (The Intouchables) - Leparq

Moussa Maaskri - Dirosa

Writer(s): Tom McCarthy (Disney Plus’ Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made)

Marcus Hinchey (Netflix’s Come Sunday)

Thomas Bidegain (The Sisters Brothers)

Director: Tom McCarthy (Timmy Failure; The Cobbler; Spotlight)

Rated R for language (139 minutes)

‘Stillwater’ is an engaging, thought-provoking feature that is truly affecting. The drama delivers incredible performances from Matt Damon and Abigail Breslin, whose compelling performances were one of the many factors that makes this film work.

There are quite a few moments that are very emotional and show how far a father will go to help his daughter, even in a terrible situation. The director of ‘Spotlight’ did an amazing job crafting this incredible feature.

During the course of the film, there are some surprises and numerous twists and turns that you won’t see coming. So, while ‘Stillwater’ is showing at the Dietrich, I highly suggest you check it out. It is worth a watch!!

Here are a couple interesting tidbits about ‘Stillwater’:

• Loosely based on the Amanda Knox story, although shortly before the film’s release Knox expressed anger, claiming the movie is profiting off her life and struggle.

• Matt Damon and his team received a five minute standing ovation at the 74th Cannes Film Festival.