Watch A Necessary Death

A Necessary Death (2008) is a dramatic thriller film directed by Daniel Stamm, which explores the moral and ethical dilemmas of subjects such as death, suicide, and the value of life. Starring G.J. Echternkamp, Matthew Tilley, and Valerie Hurt, the film is shot in documentary-style, making it feel like a real-life exploration of the subject matter.

The story follows a young filmmaker, Gilbert (Echternkamp), who is trying to create the ultimate independent film. He wants to capture the moment when a person decides to take their own life, and he chooses a man named Matt (Tilley) as his subject. Matt is a young writer who has decided that he wants to end his life, but he wants to do it in a way that is meaningful and can be captured on film.

Gilbert and his team start filming Matt, and they follow him as he prepares for his final moments. Along the way, they encounter a number of people who try to talk Matt out of his decision, including his girlfriend Valerie (Hurt) and a therapist who specializes in suicide prevention. Despite their efforts, Matt remains committed to his plan, and the tension builds as the deadline for his suicide approaches.

While the film tackles a sensitive and controversial subject, it never feels exploitative or sensationalist. Instead, it explores the complexities of suicide and the emotional struggles that lead a person to make such a final decision. The characters are all well-drawn and believable, and the performances are uniformly excellent.

At its core, A Necessary Death is a film about the value of life and the way that we choose to live it. It asks important questions about what it means to have a fulfilling life, and whether or not suicide can ever be a valid choice. While it doesn't provide easy answers, it encourages a thoughtful and nuanced discussion of these complex issues.

One of the film's strengths is its use of documentary-style filmmaking. The camera work and editing are all very naturalistic, making it feel like we are watching a real-life unfolding. This approach adds to the tension and creates a sense of unease, as we know that we are watching something that is not just a movie, but a real and very serious issue.

Another strength of the film is its direction. Stamm brings a great deal of skill and sensitivity to the material, and he manages to make a film that is both challenging and thought-provoking, while remaining engaging and entertaining. The pacing is excellent, and there are moments of genuine suspense and surprise that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Overall, A Necessary Death is a powerful and provocative film that explores one of the most difficult subjects imaginable. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled, and it will likely inspire deep and meaningful conversations about the value of life and the choices that we make. It is a challenging and important work, and one that is well worth seeking out.

A Necessary Death is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.