Johnny Whitworth is raw and unfiltered. He grounds the reality of his scenes and steps into a vulnerability and humanity anchoring the darker moments of Still Here. Maurice McRae, although theatrical at times, brings heartbreak and despair to a very tough role. The circumstances of this script are heavy, and the weight of the world is showcased. There is an energy present in this film that supports and empowers white privilege. Vlad Feier, a filmmaker with an obligation to tell his perspective of the truth skews the importance of this topic with exaggerated earnestness. Hollywood has used the white savior trope for a long time as a structure to tell stories of POC. This false and limited perspective is damaging and ego driven with the "intention" of supporting Black stories. The continuation of this narrative is not in support of what it claims it stands for but rather of White people who carry the god complex. Some of the performances are over the top and there are slight technical issues, (i.e. breaking 180 line). The V.O.'s were not necessary and distracted from the behavior of the two leads.
Still Here is difficult to watch at times but hopefully the emotion of a father looking for his missing daughter will impact all audiences regardless.
Still Here is difficult to watch at times but hopefully the emotion of a father looking for his missing daughter will impact all audiences regardless.