Cast
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Piercey Dalton
as Hannah Maynard
Daniel Arnold
as Richard Maynard
James McDougall
as Dr. Fell
Amber Taylor
as Lily
Meredith Hama-Brown
as Maddie
Sophie Merasty
as Mary
Anja Savcic
as Kitty Harper
Cameron Grierson
as Constable Taylor
Brendan Taylor
as Mr. Browning
Dakota Guppy
as Emma Trutch
Ariel Ladret
as Belle Adams
Crew
Director
- Elizabeth Lazebnik
Writer
- Elizabeth Lazebnik
Producer
- Sara Blake
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Be Still examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Elizabeth Lazebnik brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Be Still took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 284 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Be Still shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike After Hours, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Be Still subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Edge and Fly Away Home explore similar territory, Be Still stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 6, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 23m
