Stillwater

Movie Trailer

Release Date
July 30, 2021

Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Matt Damon as Bill Baker
• Abigail Breslin as Allison Baker
• Camille Cottin as Virginie
• Lilou Siauvaud as Maya
• Deanna Dunagan as Sharon
• Anne Le Ny as Leparq

Director
Tom McCarthy

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Spotlight (2015)
• The Visitor (2007)
• Win Win (2011)

Producer
Tom McCarthy
Liza Chasin
Jonathan King
Steve Golin

Writer
Tom McCarthy
Marcus Hinchey
Thomas Bidegain
Noé Debré

Budget
$20 million

Production Company
Participant Media
DreamWorks Pictures
Anonymous Content
Focus Features

Running Time
139 minutes

Languages
English (Original), with parts in French (subtitled)

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Violence
• Mature themes involving crime and justice
• Drug use

Movie Story
Stillwater is a gripping drama that follows Bill Baker (Matt Damon), an oil rig worker from Stillwater, Oklahoma, who travels to Marseille, France, to visit his estranged daughter, Allison (Abigail Breslin). Allison has been imprisoned for a murder she claims she did not commit. The case has drawn media attention, with parallels to real-life cases involving American citizens caught in foreign legal systems.

Bill, a rugged and conservative man who struggles with the complexities of the French culture and language, is determined to prove his daughter’s innocence. Despite the cultural and language barriers, and his own limited resources, Bill embarks on a relentless quest for justice, convinced that his daughter has been wrongfully convicted. His journey leads him into a world of legal intrigue and moral dilemmas, where the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred.

As Bill navigates the complexities of the French legal system, he befriends Virginie (Camille Cottin), a French actress and single mother, and her young daughter, Maya (Lilou Siauvaud). Virginie becomes an invaluable ally, helping Bill navigate the unfamiliar terrain and offering him a glimpse of a life beyond his narrow focus on the case. The relationship between Bill, Virginie, and Maya provides a poignant counterbalance to the film’s darker themes, exploring the possibility of redemption and personal growth.

As Bill digs deeper into the case, he uncovers new evidence that could potentially exonerate Allison, but his actions increasingly put him at odds with the law. The film builds to a tense and emotionally charged climax, where Bill is forced to confront not only the truth about the crime but also his own limitations and the consequences of his choices.

Stillwater is a character-driven drama that explores themes of justice, redemption, and the often insurmountable challenges of cross-cultural understanding. Matt Damon delivers a powerful performance as Bill, capturing the character’s internal struggle and determination. The film’s narrative is both a thriller and a poignant exploration of a father’s love and the lengths to which he will go to protect his child.

Special Effects
Stillwater relies more on its strong narrative and character development than on special effects. The film’s use of on-location shooting in Marseille adds authenticity and a sense of place, immersing the audience in the story. The cinematography captures the contrasts between Bill’s life in Stillwater and the vibrant, yet sometimes gritty, streets of Marseille. The film’s tension is built through its storytelling, performances, and the atmospheric use of its setting rather than relying on traditional special effects.

Box Office Performance
Stillwater grossed approximately $19.8 million worldwide. The film received mixed-to-positive reviews, with praise for Matt Damon’s performance and the film’s complex narrative. Its release during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic likely impacted its box office performance, but it found an audience through word-of-mouth and critical acclaim.

Filming Locations

• Marseille, France
• Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Life is brutal.” – Bill Baker
• “The best way to save her is for you to stay out of it.” – Virginie
• “I can’t change who I am.” – Bill Baker

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Tom McCarthy, known for his work on Spotlight, aimed to create a film that was both a thriller and a deep character study. The story was loosely inspired by real-life legal cases, though it is ultimately a work of fiction. McCarthy collaborated with French screenwriters Thomas Bidegain and Noé Debré to ensure the authenticity of the French setting and legal system. Matt Damon underwent significant preparation for the role, spending time with oil rig workers to understand their lifestyle and mindset. The film’s production in Marseille allowed the cast and crew to immerse themselves in the local culture, adding to the film’s realism.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Actor (Matt Damon) at the 2022 Satellite Awards
• Nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 2021 Chicago Film Critics Association Awards

Final Verdict
Stillwater is a compelling and thought-provoking drama that balances elements of a crime thriller with an intimate character study. Matt Damon’s performance as Bill Baker anchors the film, bringing depth and nuance to the role of a father fighting against overwhelming odds. The film’s exploration of cultural clashes, moral ambiguity, and the complexities of justice make it a gripping watch for those who appreciate thoughtful, character-driven narratives. While it may not be a conventional thriller, Stillwater offers a rich and engaging story that resonates on multiple levels.

IMDb Rating
6.6/10