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Still Life

Play trailer Poster for Still Life Released Jan 16, 2015 1h 32m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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63% Tomatometer 43 Reviews 77% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
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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Still Life

Still Life

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jeff B I’m shocked at the low ratings on this film, it’s beautiful and touching with a first class performance by Eddie Marsan. Enhanced by a Rachel Portman score delivering those feelings of solitude and helplessness. Do yourself a favour and watch it, you can thank me later. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/28/24 Full Review 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 Read all reviews
Still Life

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Movie Info

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
Creator
Uberto Pasolini
Screenwriter
Uberto Pasolini
Distributor
Tribeca Film
Production Co
Redwave Films, RAI Cinema, Embargo Films
Genre
Drama
Original Language
British English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 16, 2015, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 16, 2015
Runtime
1h 32m
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