Still Life

Released Jan 16, 2015

1 hr. 32 min.

Drama

List

63%

43 Reviews

Tomatometer

76%

1,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

A mild-mannered civil employee (Eddie Marsan) dedicates his life to tracking down the next-of-kin of and arranging funerals for his community's unclaimed dead.

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Critics Consensus

Still Life moves with a quiet grace that some viewers may mistake for mannered passivity, but rewards patience with genuine poignancy.

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Peter G

Eddie Marsan is one of my favorite British character actors & seldom has had a starring role but makes the most of it here. He plays a lonely but decent fellow with the unusual job of locating individuals related to or former friends of deceased persons who are not aware of their passing. An odd occupation & one that is being terminated despite the care that Mr. May (Eddie) gives to it. It's really all he has in his life but the last case introduces him to the estranged daughter of his final ˋcustomer‘ & a tender albeit non romantic friendship blossoms with affecting but not, IMO, overly sentimental results. The radiant Joanne Froggatt (memorable in DOWNTON ABBEY) has only a short role here as the daughter but contributes wonderfully to her scenes with Mr. May. She & Marsan interact beautifully together.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/27/24

Full Review

John S

I always think the audience seem to know better than the so called critics. I guess it's not one to watch when you're feeling a bit down. But as always Marsan delivers a solid performance as the guy charged with finding the relatives of lonely people who have passed away. Not too dissimilar to the life he leads himself. He's supported well by a strong cast. There's nothing spectacular about it, it's just an ordinary story about an unordinary job, told really well. The ending was wonderful and caught me and my emotions a little by surprise.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/05/24

Full Review

Yamas M

What an absolute fantastic film. So true and gets you either laughing or crying. Brilliant actors and never expected the end.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/23/23

Full Review

Joe P

Extraordinary. One of the most beautiful, mesmerizing films ever. Beautifully acted. It's subtle pace is surprisingly engaging. A hidden gem. Truly wonderful.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/03/23

Full Review

Ash 1

I watched this slow paced drama wondering where it was taking me. Quite clearly something a little different ,it was bemusing and intriguing. The little details on the film will be missed by those who talk over it or float off to make a cup a tea every 20 minutes. The time spent watching this film seemed like an investment, it's about switching your brain on not off as so many American movies require you to. Three quarters of the way through the film and I'm wondering what the upshot will be, will there even be one? I have to say the ending was a surprise and one of the saddest and most emotional endings I have seen, and if the last few minutes doesn't bring you to tears the final few seconds will. A very English film and if you can only watch characters in tight lycra then avoid.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/20/23

Full Review

Gaynor H

Absolutely beautiful and poignant film - it may seem slow paced but almost every scene has very clear relevance which becomes evident as the film progresses. I popped it on to have something on whilst working and it entirely captivated me - I didn't get the work done intended. Just stunning, and speaks to many of us in some way I'm sure

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/12/23

Full Review

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Uberto Pasolini

Director

Eddie Marsan

John May

Joanne Froggatt

Kelly Stoke

Karen Drury

Mary

Andrew Buchan

Council Manager

Neil D'Souza

Shakthi

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Mark Kermode

Observer (UK)

I was unprepared for the transcendent final moments, which left me suddenly and unexpectedly in tears.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 8, 2015

Full Review

Geoffrey Macnab

Independent (UK)

This is a gentle, well-observed drama with a very likeable performance from Marsan.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 5, 2015

Full Review

Kate Muir

Times (UK)

I was intrigued by the prospect of the always-compelling Eddie Marsan playing a dull south London council funeral administrator in Still Life.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 5, 2015

Full Review

Ben Homewood

NME (New Musical Express)

Ultimately, though, the stifling bleakness and an improbable ending add up to a disappointing film.

Rated: 3/5

May 27, 2021

Full Review

Joseph Walsh

CineVue

Thanks to Marsan's considered and eloquent performance, and Pasolini's unabashedly sentimental approach to the subject matter, Still Life makes for a gentle, sombre, and reflective drama about finding life, even in death.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 22, 2018

Full Review

Peter Calder

New Zealand Herald

The film rewards a look for the performance of Marsan alone.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 27, 2016

Full Review

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Synopsis

A mild-mannered civil employee (Eddie Marsan) dedicates his life to tracking down the next-of-kin of and arranging funerals for his community's unclaimed dead.

Director: Uberto Pasolini
Screenwriter: Uberto Pasolini
Distributor: Tribeca Film
Production Co: Redwave Films, RAI Cinema, Embargo Films
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English (United Kingdom)
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 16, 2015, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 16, 2015

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