Watch Stillwater

Stillwater is a 2021 American drama film directed by Tom McCarthy and starring Matt Damon, Camille Cottin, and Abigail Breslin. The story follows Bill Baker (Damon), an oil-rig worker from Stillwater, Oklahoma, who travels to France to visit his estranged daughter, Allison (Breslin), who is imprisoned for the murder of her girlfriend. Convinced of her innocence, Bill embarks on a desperate and dangerous quest to find the real killer.

The film opens with an introduction to Bill's life in Oklahoma. He is a rough and tumble oil-rig worker who is tough and gruff around the edges. He is also a father to a young daughter, Allison, who he loves and cherishes. However, their relationship becomes strained when Bill's wife leaves him, and he turns to alcohol and drugs.

Years later, Allison is imprisoned in Marseille, France, for the murder of her lover. Bill flies to Marseille to visit Allison and discovers that she is not only guilty of the crime but also plans on taking a plea deal that would keep her in prison for the rest of her life. Bill, who is unable to accept his daughter's guilt, decides to stay in Marseille and find evidence that will prove her innocence.

Bill soon meets a French woman named Virginie (Cottin) and her daughter, Maya (Lilou Siauvaud), who offer him a place to stay while he tries to uncover the truth. Throughout the film, Bill and Virginie develop a close relationship, and she helps him navigate the language and cultural barriers that he encounters while investigating the murder. Together, they slowly piece together clues that lead them to the real killer.

The film is a slow-burning drama that focuses on unraveling the mystery of the murder, but it is also a character study of Bill and his journey towards redemption. Matt Damon delivers a powerful performance as Bill, imbuing the character with a sense of quiet strength and determination. He portrays Bill's struggle with addiction and his desire to reconnect with his daughter in a nuanced and heartfelt way.

Camille Cottin is also excellent in her role as Virginie, a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet. She brings a warmth and compassion to the character that makes her instantly likable. The chemistry between Damon and Cottin is palpable and adds an additional layer of emotional depth to the film.

Abigail Breslin, who plays Allison, has a smaller role than Damon and Cottin, but she still manages to make an impact. She does an excellent job of depicting a troubled young woman who is trying to come to terms with her actions and the consequences that come with them.

One of the strengths of Stillwater is the way it portrays Marseille as a vibrant, diverse city full of life and unique characters. The film shows both the beauty and the grittiness of the city, and the contrast between the two adds to the overall atmosphere of the film.

Overall Stillwater is a powerful drama that is equal parts character study and mystery. The performances from the cast are excellent, and the film features some beautiful cinematography that captures the essence of Marseille. It is a slow-burning film that requires patience from the viewer, but the payoff is ultimately worth it.

Stillwater is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 19 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 60.