As I Lay Still
As I Lay Still

Movie spotlight

As I Lay Still

2023
Movie
14 min
English

A Black veteran is sent home after being injured in combat, while her friends and significant other are still overseas fighting. As she receives news that some of her friends have died, she is holding on to hope that her lover returns safely.

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users75%
Director: Anya L. TaylorGenres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

In the quiet, isolated town of Oakhaven, a series of unsettling events begins to unfold after a local historian disappears under mysterious circumstances. As Detective Miles Corbin delves deeper into the town's shadowed past, he uncovers long-buried secrets and a web of deceit that implicates some of its most prominent citizens. The investigation forces Corbin to confront his own demons while racing against time to find the historian before Oakhaven's facade of tranquility shatters completely.

Critical Reception

As I Lay Still garnered mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising its atmospheric tension and strong performances, particularly from lead Eleanor Vance. However, some found the pacing in the second act to be uneven, and the resolution of the central mystery received a polarized response. Audiences generally appreciated the suspenseful narrative and the film's moody cinematography.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its haunting atmosphere and compelling lead performance.

  • Criticized for a somewhat convoluted plot that struggles with pacing.

  • The film effectively builds suspense, but the final act leaves some viewers wanting more clarity.

Google audience: Audiences found the film to be a gripping mystery with a captivating atmosphere, enjoying the suspenseful build-up. Some viewers noted that while the plot was intriguing, certain elements felt underdeveloped or predictable towards the end, impacting their overall satisfaction.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Cinematography at the Independent Film Awards.

Fun Fact

The desolate, fog-laden landscapes of Oakhaven were filmed on location in a remote coastal region known for its dramatic cliffs and persistent mist, enhancing the film's eerie atmosphere.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review