Review of Still Life (2015) by Wornoutspines — 01 Apr 2015

Still Life is a surprising little film brought to us by writer-Directer Uberto Pasolini, it was shot in 2013 and finally made its way to me and I'm glad that I decide to see it. The film depicts the life and work of John May (Eddie Marsan) a council worker looking for the living relatives of those found dead and alone. I know, it sounds fun, but trust me this film is much more than what it seem.

At the first, it looks like it's about death and funerals, which it is, but it's in no way depressing, it's more a tale of life, love, and the afterlife. Still Life is quirky and exotic in its unusualness. John May is a bit weird, socially awkward, and very much feel out of touch with the modern world but he's also a sweet and caring man, who is meticulous at his job easily making the people he interacts with seem even sweater, or worse depending on how they behave around him.

Despite its heavy themes Still Life has moments of relief, it's funny at times and gets uplifting. It's a movie that sneaks up on you to reach into your heart. Eddie Marsan gives a quiet but poignant performance in this film, I was drawn to his authentic portrayal of John May, a compassionate character you can't help but love. Uberto Pasolini delivered a thought-provoking film with limited camera, letting the story take a life of its own.

Still Life is a thoughtful little film shining a light on a peculiar job but also on human relationships, the people we knew and lost touch with, those who sometimes are forgotten and need to be remembered.