133. Sometimes I Think About Dying; movie review

SOMETIMES I THINK ABOUT DYING

Cert 12A

93 mins

BBFC advice: Contains mental health references, suicide references, implied strong language

My dad passed away ten days ago, so I have thought a lot about what is involved in dying.

Indeed, it had been at the forefront of my mind since his terminal diagnosis about two months ago.

Thus, because of its title, I had delayed taking in Rachel Lambert's Sometimes I Think About Dying because of trepidation at triggering further sadness.

I should not have worried. I found very little relatable in this film.

It stars Daisy Ridley as Fran, a socially awkward member of an office team in a small North American port town.

The movie's presentation is akin to a documentary, picking up the staff's conversations in the lead-up to the retirement of a popular colleague (Marcia DeBonis).

She is replaced by Robert (Dave Merheje), who is outwardly confident but confides in Fran about his insecurity at the job.

Sometimes I Think About Dying did not trigger unwanted emotions - in fact, it didn't spark any.

I know the film has received appreciation from critics who have enjoyed its slow pace as Ridley's realistic performance.

But for me, boring conversations don't suddenly become interesting because they are on a big screen and Sometimes I think About Dying is full of them.

Thankfully, the offices in which I worked weren't nearly as dull as this one.

Reasons to watch: Subtle performance by Daisy Ridley

Reasons to avoid: Too much of it is dull

Laughs: One

Jumps: One

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 4/10

Did you know?  Daisy Ridley's paternal great-uncle, Arnold Ridley is best remembered for playing Private Godfrey in the beloved sitcom Dad's Army.

The final word.  Rachel Lambert: "Fran is a very unique female protagonist: complex, challenging, funny, endearing, and fragile. That’s rare to have a film feature a woman like that." Movie Jawn

 

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