Secrets run deep.|Aug. 09, 2021|United States|139 Min.|R
Genre: Crime;Drama;Thriller
Description: “Stillwater,” a 2021 film featuring Matt Damon, tells the story of a man seeking redemption in a poignant yet somber drama. Directed and co-written by Tom McCarthy, the movie excels on both personal and cultural levels, though its occasional political undertones fall short. The film’s ambiguous portrayal of faith and mature themes make it suitable for adult audiences.
Damon plays Bill Baker, a widowed and unemployed oil-rig worker from Stillwater, Oklahoma. Five years after his college-aged daughter, Allison (Abigail Breslin), is imprisoned in Marseille for the murder of her lesbian lover—a crime she firmly denies committing—Bill moves to the French port city to pursue a new lead in her case.
Frustrated by the refusal of Allison’s lawyer to act on the new evidence, Bill takes matters into his own hands. However, he struggles to adapt to his unfamiliar surroundings, hindered by the language barrier and cultural differences. He finds support in Virginie (Camille Cottin), a stage actress and single mother staying at the same hotel with her young daughter, Maya (Lilou Siauvaud). As their friendship deepens, Bill moves in with them.
While developing a bond with Maya, Bill seeks to redeem his past failures as a father. However, his impulsive actions to uncover the real killer jeopardize his chances of emotional fulfillment. The script, co-written by Marcus Hinchey, Thomas Bidegain, and Noé Debré, effectively explores the strained relationship between Bill and Allison, as well as the cultural clash between American and European values, though this aspect occasionally feels oversimplified.
Cast director: Tom McCarthy
Cast actor: Matt Damon, Abigail Breslin, Camille Cottin, Lilou Siauvaud, Deanna Dunagan, Anne Le Ny, Idir Azougli, Eric Starkey, Moussa Maaskri, Justin France
Original name: Stillwater