Sometimes I Think About Dying (2023) Movie Review

A Silent Symphony: The Mysterious World of Fran

In the captivating cinematic realm of "Sometimes I Think About Dying," Daisy Ridley breathes life into the enigmatic Fran, a character whose silence speaks volumes. The film takes a daring leap, keeping Fran mute for the first 22 minutes, only to have her break the silence with a bold proclamation: "I'm Fran. I like cottage cheese." This cinematic gem thrives on its refusal to conform, following the sage advice of legends like Billy Wilder and Ernst Lubitsch.

Fran's Mundane Facade: Office Banter and Secret Fantasies

Nestled in a quaint Pacific Northwest town, Fran's daily life revolves around the monotony of office work and the drone of coworkers. She's the unseen observer, a masterfully portrayed essence of invisibility. Yet, behind the facade of routine lies a riveting secret – Fran's mind is a canvas painted with vivid fantasies of her own demise, each more surreal than the last.

Intriguing Intrusion: Robert's Charming Resonance

Enter Robert, played by the charismatic Dave Merheje, a character untouched by preconceptions. He sees Fran, shattering her invisibility cloak. Their journey, marked by movies, pie, and a murder-mystery party, takes a whimsical turn as Fran's death fantasies intertwine with her newfound connection with Robert. Director Rachel Lambert's dream-like and surreal touch keeps the narrative from veering into the realm of predictability.

Cinematic Poetry: Lambert's Visual Symphony

Lambert's visionary direction seamlessly weaves the town's picturesque shots into the fabric of Fran's narrative. The environment becomes an integral character, mirroring Fran's dissociated state. The film's visual aesthetics, from dusks to rain-wet roads and circling birds, lend a surreal atmosphere to Fran's life. Her house, frozen in 1954 decor, raises questions that add to the overarching mystery.

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Character Alchemy: Ridley and Merheje's Spellbinding Performances

Daisy Ridley navigates the minefield of Fran's silence with finesse, avoiding the pitfalls of cliched portrayals. Fran is not merely a bundle of quirks but an enigma waiting to be unraveled. Merheje, as Robert, adds a delightful layer of realism, injecting mystery into their connection. Ridley and Merheje's chemistry becomes the beating heart of a film that dances on the edge of the unexpected.

An Unfinished Tapestry: Exploring the Film's Origin Story

The film's unfinished quality, a lingering sense of a missing act, traces back to its origins. Co-written by Stefanie Abel Horowitz, Kevin Armento, and Katy Wright-Mead, "Sometimes I Think About Dying" evolves from a 2019 award-winning short film and a 2013 play called "Killers." By focusing solely on the death-wish character, the film leaves tantalizing gaps, inviting audiences to decipher the uncharted.

Sometimes I Think About Dying Trailer

Conclusion: A Cinematic Enigma Worth Unraveling

"Sometimes I Think About Dying" is a mesmerizing tapestry of mystery, surrealism, and character depth. While its unfinished nature leaves audiences suspended, it's precisely this enigma that makes the film a compelling watch. This cinematic journey beckons viewers to piece together Fran's life, inviting them into a world where every silence speaks louder than words.

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