Be Still
Be Still

Movie spotlight

Be Still

2021
Movie
83 min
English

Already a successful portrait photographer, Hannah sets to reinvent this art form. Abandoning herself to a creative process that might easily be mistaken for madness, she's soon visited by mirror images of herself, as well as her daughter's ghost. Inspired by the life of photographer Hannah Maynard (1834-1918).

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Billie AugustGenres: Drama, Family

Plot Summary

A young woman, Agnes, experiences a difficult childhood in a strict religious household. Her father, a pastor, enforces a rigid set of rules, leading to a strained relationship between Agnes and her mother. As Agnes grows older, she grapples with her faith, her identity, and the desire for independence, often finding solace in her artistic inclinations.

Critical Reception

Be Still received a mixed to positive reception, with many critics praising its sensitive portrayal of family dynamics and religious upbringing. Some found the pacing slow at times, but the performances, particularly from the lead actress, were widely lauded.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its emotional depth and strong performances.

  • Criticized by some for its deliberate pacing.

  • The film offers a poignant exploration of faith, family, and self-discovery.

Google audience: Audience reception is not readily available.

Fun Fact

Alba August, who plays the younger version of the protagonist, is the real-life daughter of director Billie August and actress Pernilla August, and also the sister of Asta August, who plays the adult Agnes in the film.

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