User reviews

As much as I loved the style in which director Rachel Lambert explored a few weeks in the largely uneventful (but..eventful too.. sort of?) life of a socially awkward isolation-enjoyer, what spoke to me is her sense of visual aesthetics. The port city of Astoria, Orgeon is a distinct character within the film, and its laidback stillness is something I grew to like. Several frames delineate the notion, and I think they sublimely complimented the life that Fran (Daisy Ridley) lives. She enjoys her work, but loves running away from the small talk that the office brings. She awkwardly exits office gatherings, including one where a longtime colleague of hers is retiring. There's greater meaning to most of these little moments, but not everything has a meaty payoff.

The film's delicate pacing is, at times, broken through banter between Fran and her new colleague Robert (Dave Merheje), as well as through sudden transitions where she ponders over death (..her death, i.e.). This is the most I've enjoyed a Daisy Ridley performance in years, and it speaks volumes when an actor can convey the right emotions through subtle changes in body language. Fran isn't much of a talker per se, but when she does, she's also less curious. She slowly grows to love movies and being around people, thanks to Robert's interventions. I like how the film addresses the issue of Robert being unable to fully comprehend Fran as a person. There are layers to her than even we (..as audiences..) cannot fully peel off. We know next-to-nothing about her family, and the circumstances in which she grew up. We know she ain't suicidal, but she doesn't seem to relish life all that much either.

Actually, a lot of unsaid elements contribute to further, deeper readings of Fran's demeanor. Her depressing thoughts on death aside, there's one moving scene towards the end where she randomly encounters the retired ex-colleague and learns how life is so unpredictable and difficult, underneath all the "plaster" that we add to it. I got to know that the film is based on a 2013 play called Killers, and it, sure as hell, makes for splendid material on the stage. I'm glad though, that Lambert decided to make it into a film, as mundanity of life is something that's less discussed in the world of cinema. Dabney Morris' score adds to the understated nature of its proceedings, making the experience even better.

First of all, ignore all these moronic reviews that say "it's boring" or "it has no plot so it sucks". These people don't get it. They need constant action, plot points and shiny objects. If that's you, simply DO NOT WATCH movies like this!

This film only has a few settings, it focuses on negative space and silence, which oddly enough is how depression works. It also has a lot to do with suicidal ideation (that's the title so clearly).

The movie focuses on Daisy Ridley. She's quiet, awkward and might be depressed. These type of acting roles for an already established high-level actor can be challenging. She really knocks it out of the park. Her acting is very subtle and meta, and that's basically the film.

I truly enjoyed the film annd all the characters add so much value to it. Totally enjoyable if you like quiet, thinking films. 7.3/10.

In bleak but interesting drama "Sometimes I Think About Dying" drab Daisy Ridley lives in a drab Oregon coastal town, working a drab office job. Her acute social awkwardness effectively stifles her existence, til a bond (of sorts) with outgoing new colleague Dave Merheje seems to have the potential to save her... but does it? Its dreary reality certainly won't be for all (adrenaline junkies beware) but Ridley is superb with some solid, understated support (inc Merheje, Marcia DeBonis, Megan Stalter & Parvesh Cheenah), the three person writing team nailed it, and director Rachel Lambert delivers with perfect tone. For those into bleak, drab and dreary art... this is a little beauty.

First thing, is that this is a very depressing movie to relate to. Especially the character. The movie itself is pretty uneventful, it's purposely not trying to do anything conventionally interesting. I enjoyed it though just because of how deliberate that was.

You can feel how socially awkward Fran is. This felt like it was made by an introvert, the type that isn't an introvert of their own volition. I love how introversion is depicted as something we don't have a choice in. I think the movie does a good job at conveying her emotions in the moment. Daisy Ridley was fantastic. There probably are movies out there that depict social awkwardness pretty well, but this is the one that I feel did it best. Probably because there were so many awkward interactions in this where I thought "oh that happens to me a lot" Or "oh I those thoughts too."So it felt personal to me.

I also loved how the movie is narrated from Fran's perspective. It feels like we're in her head, and for the most part we don't get to see if other characters are judging her introversion for the most part. So we just get to see her inaudibly, through her mannerisms, ask herself oh is this weird? Was that a weird thing to say? This is weird, right? I think it's the perfect depiction of social anxiety, awkwardness and loneliness.

The only thing I didn't like was the argument in the car. It made sense but it felt unnatural in the moment, sudden and random. Otherwise the movie is perfect to me. Every now and then I wondered when this movie is set; sometimes I think it's the 90's because I haven't seen anyone play CDs in a while, but then the computers in the office are new.

A guy fell asleep and was snoring. Didn't seem like a movie that should be playing in theater. I think it's a movie most people wouldn't like or maybe even relate to, but I loved it.

"Fran" (Daisy Ridley) likes to keep herself to herself. She's very much on the periphery of things at work and goes home to her favourite cottage cheese and bed by 10.15 most evenings. The arrival of "Robert" (Dave Merheje) shakes things up a little when his request for some office provisions leads to a trip to the cinema to see "Departure" (2015). Though it could never be described as racy, what now ensues watches the two get a little close and a better acquainted. She reveals to him that as she looks from her cubicle window at the huge cranes loading and unloading the ships, she imagines herself swinging from one of them - and not in the way a child might! A chance meeting with the recently retired "Carol" (Marcia DeBonis) in a diner might help "Fran" recalibrate her priorities though! This is a far cry from anything Ridley has done thus far, and shows her as an actor of considerable versatility. The writing works quite well here, too. Sparingly used between the main characters but more plentifully used to illustrate the banal nature of her life at work - especially with boss "Isobel" (Megan Stalter) who has verbal diarrhoea in just about every way you can imagine. The story takes quite an interesting look at those (slightly) later in life who are in a rut and content to remain so but I'm afraid this whole scenario doesn't really make for gripping cinema. Indeed, at times the director seems content to leave us with only the superficial glimpse of the characters and together with the bleak and dull nature of the lighting, creates an ennui all of it's own. It's not so much that nothing really happens, it's that I wasn't really bothered either way if it did or didn't. The whole thing is all just a bit too lacklustre. It's fine, this film, but not much more.

Sometimes I Think About Dying, I think this is the first Ridley movie I've seen after her career in star wars, so.. quite a shift in tone. But a good film nonetheless. It allowed Ridley to show a lot more of herself and she deserves it because being tainted by a massive franchise is hard to break out of and really shape your own path.

Directing is something special here, and is what elevates this movie beyond it's subdued plot and somewhat lackluster story. But the beautiful meditative method of filming really sucks you into the world, but also the time and place, it just really slows you down. It's a very oddly relaxing movie. The into perfectly blends you into the little world you're stepping into. Just great. Paced well too, certainly didn't really overstay it's welcome but also didn't stick the land as much as I'd hoped.

The story and how it accentuates it with scenes like the poster, for me never really managed to capture much that the character was already doing day to day. It added another highlight, but not a layer or depth to the thought process. And if anything I wish we had more of that, more to explore. But it continues to be distant. Intentionally, in story, but also to the viewer.

Is this a movie that showcases depression that well. Nah. But it doesn't hurt it either, it's a perspective and I can appreciate the directing behind it. It has snippets of the real thing, also some blending of social anxiety.

Music was good too, used effectively. Sound design was excellent. Making dull quite rooms sound like dull quiet rooms isn't easy.

Good, but some potential left out.

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"Sometimes I Think About Dying tackles social anxiety and loneliness in a purposefully dull yet intriguing fashion. Lingering cinematography, atmospheric score, and a phenomenal Daisy Ridley - a career-best performance - somehow make it all work, but its uneventful, repetitive narrative won't be for everyone.

Still, after a good night's sleep, I actually feel more positive than yesterday, so maybe it's a film that will grow on people over time. As one character puts it, "it's hard being a person". And with that, I can fully relate to."

Rating: B-

The energy of this film is in its stillness.

Sparse dialogue. No driving, linear narrative. The camera is perpetually stationary. Almost nothing is loud or abrupt. But it hums restlessly with quiet anxiety.

Your attention is never commanded, but your interest is rewarded. Fran is the subject of your observation, and she is in everything subtle and restrained. Every modulation of body language, shade of facial expression, and placement of gaze dispenses information. You are with her constantly and quickly become intimate. You consider her, wonder at her. You empathize with her; you're confused by her. You don't have to understand her. You simply see what she sees and feel what she feels. You are there when she is tense and afraid, when she allows herself to smile, when she indulges her desire and when she represses it. She's a particularly vulnerable human, and you are there in the midst of all of it. This film and its protagonist are beautifully small, shy, and fragile, and watching it is compelling if you can feel the weight of responsibility that comes with so intimately witnessing a person in their intense vulnerability.

Sometimes I Think About Dying feels precious in its plain honesty and total vulnerability.

It's not a story, just a person.

"Sometimes I Think About Dying" is a poignant and introspective film that illuminates the complexity of human emotions and existential struggles. Through its compelling narrative and beautifully crafted characters, the film explores themes of loneliness, depression and the search for meaning in life. The portrayals are authentic and moving, drawing the viewer into the inner turmoil of the protagonists. It is a thought-provoking journey that inspires empathy and reflection, reminding us of the importance of connection and understanding in a world where the thought of mortality can often weigh heavily on the mind.

If they developed it a bit more. A lot more, actually. It feels like a short movie's being stretched to a full length feature.

First 30 minutes is basically an intro and you can easily cut it down to 10. Then we get a glimpse of what could have been cause Daisy is great, Dave is great and together they're great. Unfortunately they're just not getting enough screen time. Instead we're getting tons of random shots of city, nature and everything in between. And then after all that the director just dumps the ending and the message. Cause it was time to wrap the movie up, I guess.

It also filmed in that terrible modern "indie" style with 1.33:1 ratio and percussion soundtrack that just sucks any resemblance of life out of the picture.

The result is dull and lifeless. What a shame.

Based on the play "Killers" by Armento, and the 2019 short film of the same name, this film is about isolation, and the adverse effects that prolonged loneliness may have on someone. Fran, played by famed English actress Daisy Ridley, is our vehicle through the every day life of a young woman commanded by isolation and entrenched with dark thoughts.

We observe Fran's world as she exists within it - as a figurative ghost, somberly floating through life's mundanity. Life sort of happens around Fran, like she is transparent, or an inanimate figure that is only ornamental to the lives of her peers. The introduction of her love interest, Robert, played by Dave Merheje, is slow, and the bond that is fostered is subdued, almost translucent. The script and direction handles this frailty and understated life change with the delicacy of a small animal in your palms - the transformation that occurs through the awkward, stumbling feat of getting to know someone sends both Fran and Robert into a journey of self reflection and growth. I would also be remisce to not mention Marcia Debonis's Carol, whose candor is magnetic and wholesome.

The art direction of this film is brutally cold - not a hint of warmth is felt for most of the runtime, which reflects Iran's state of being, even after the fateful joining. This almost makes the movie's pace feel like wet cement, adding to the weight of the already palpable depression. Even the small sparks of levity that come from this artful rom-com fizzle out without creating much light.

This film certainly has something to say, which becomes most apparent during its seemingly ambiguous ending, though I don't think the goal was to leave us wiser, more empathetic, or even happy. It creates an experience for us - one in which we have found ourselves being Fran, Robert, or those who populate their lives. This is this film's special power, and there is undeniable beauty in the frost.

When I first sat down to watch it I knew nothing about it and at 25 minutes in I googled it as it was literally boring the crud out of me. In the search results the word depression seemed to leap out of the screen in at least 3 results and I instantly got it. The 25 minutes I had suffered suddenly made sense from the perspective of depression.

I saw it not just through a lens of depression but also neuro divergence. Of course the two can go hand in hand. Some symbolic scenes were not understandable. But some gave obvious insights into Fran's psyche.

I do think the first half hour where literally nothing happened helped. (once I understood what it was about) It was setting the scene for Fran's life and psyche as being almost divorced from her surroundings wherever she was, interacting only where it was specifically demanded. It was as if she felt she did not belong in any of those places she was. Which is a common feeling for those depressed or ND.

I'm not a Daisy Ridley fan but I thought she carried it off OK, and her being quite attractive to look at helped because the more attractive a person is, the more people assume they have no faults or flaws. It's very good to dispel that myth.

Overall I think it was a good attempt to look at the world of someone with depression or a neuro divergence, but I do think it could have done much, more to get the message across. Nevertheless a solid 6 from me.

I can understand that it is a character study, but this has the feel of an indie film and most of it is filled with awkward pauses and feeble attempts at humor. The first 25 minutes were an elongated introduction, but even so I failed to recognize what the story was. I ended up turning this off at the one hour mark. As for the character who plays Robert, the love interest, he's not compelling enough to help bring a positive light to this film's murky atmosphere.

The music was actually pretty upbeat considering how depressing the main character's life is. Other than that there's not much to praise.

Fran (Daisy Ridley) is a quiet loner who often thinks about suicide. She is alone even in a crowd at her work. Co-worker Robert gets past her barriers and they start dating.

Initially, I'm interested for about ten minutes and then I'm wondering if anything is going to happen. Something happens and I'm interested for another ten minutes before wondering if anything else is going to happen. That's how it goes. I alternate between mildly interested and waiting for the next thing. For the second half, I am interested in one thing. I'm waiting for the ending. I'm just not sure if it's going full dark or going for something more hopeful. This is not for everyone and not all of this is for me.

Sometimes, I think about dying as a bit of a mixed bag. The film follows Fran, who is stuck in a rut at a dead-end job in a small West Coast town. Fran struggles with depression and often daydreams about dying. This is a hard film to review as there were elements I really liked and a lot that I didn't. First, the pros. Daisy Ridley shines in what she was given to work with. I really like Daisy Ridley as an actor. She gives a great performance and can portray a lot of emotions without even speaking. A lot of the little ticks Fan has are common with people who have depression and social anxiety. Lastly, she has some really powerful scenes when the script lets her speak and show her emotions. The only thing I would've changed about Fran is I would have made her character more complex, like giving her some interest. Just because someone is shy or reserved doesn't mean they are boring and have no likes. If anything, one of the issues with depression is that it makes it hard to do what you love, which sucks. To me, this feels like a missed opportunity.

This leads to the cons of the film. The cast isn't very good. I know this is an indie movie, but other than Daisy, the acting is bland and often bad. Now, in the actor's defense, it felt rushed, and many of the scenes came off as if they were improvised. You can tell the actors are just thinking on their feet as they talk. It's also hard when your best actor is the one who is shy and doesn't talk. The music felt like a miss. It was too upbeat for this story. With depression, there is always a cloud over you, and it would've been nice to have music that reflected that. Finally, the pacing is terrible. I know they were going for the feeling that real life is boring and mundane, but they could've accomplished this and still made it feel like things were happening. Important character moments were just rushed over, while moments that could've been short were unnecessarily dragged out.

Overall, it was an okay movie that's probably still worth watching if you like Daisy Ridley.

The actress delivered an exceptionally perfect performance in this challenging role. Although many films have previously explored this type of character, her portrayal was unique and distinct, imbued with a personal touch that only she could bring. I genuinely believe that no other actress in the world could embody this character with such a level of distinction. My praise is not an exaggeration.

The film does not feature extensive dialogue or a lot of spoken words. Instead, the main character's facial expressions and simple actions were profoundly expressive, and the actress managed to convey her emotions largely without speaking. The film generally has a sad tone and a grim atmosphere, yet the director succeeded in making it engaging despite these elements. It was a film in which I fully immersed myself, connected with on a deep level, and it left a lasting impression on me.

While this movie might not be for everyone, it leaves everyone with something to take away. The cinematography and scoring are perfectly set to make you feel as Fran does. There are many shots that leave you with nothing but the environment and quiet background noises, and while that may not sound like a lot, that is a big part of what makes the movie so great. That is the core of the movie, it makes you feel exactly as intended; empty. The story itself is basic, but with the way the characters are built and developed, the story can be overlooked as it only serves as a mean into Frans mind. If you have ever felt suicidal thoughts and depressive episodes the movie will feel like a respectful and truthful insight. It doesn't draw attention to being depressed and suicidal, but it displays the way it affects and shapes a person especially over a long period of time.

If you are looking for a fast paced movie that exaderates and focuses on depression this is not for you, if you want to see a movie that accurately.

Last night I started two different films then stopped them a minute in. Both were noisy, flashy, fast edited type films for people with short attention spans who don't want to think about what they are watching. This, despite the fact that both films were supposed to be about serious subjects. Third time was the charm. I was immediately impressed that this was the film I was seeking. It didn't hurt that within seconds I recognized Astoria Oregon, where I spent considerable time back in the 1970s visiting friends who lived there. The people I knew were kind of like the ones in this film. Some were depressed in part due to the often gloomy and damp weather. Some were townies who had adapted. The characters in this film were genuine, friendly, and realistic. It was also great seeing an actress who has been successful in popular Hollywood comic bookish films stretch her acting skills and do something of greater depth and creativity. The film made me laugh with the characters and cry with them.

I am a big fan of Daisy Ridley as an actress from the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy she did; "The Force Awakens", "The Last Jedi", and "The Rise of Skywalker". I also liked her in Kenneth Branagh's remake of "Murder on the Orient Express".

Now she comes out with a small independent movie called "Sometimes I think about dying", and I think it contains her best performance so far.

The story is about her character named Fran, who works on a computer in an office in a small town in the Pacific Northwest, presumably Oregon or Washington State. Her character is quiet and kind of shy. One of the workers in her office retires, and then a new man comes to work there. His name is Robert and he is played by Dave Meherje, in a good performance. He pursues a relationship with Fran, by asking her to see a movie with him.

"Sometimes I think about dying" is a nice slice of life romantic drama with some humor that I found to be very enjoyable and satisfying. The cinematography is very good and the music score enhances the movie to a large extant.

I recommend seeing this movie in a movie theater. It is a very good film. I hope it finds an audience. I liked it a lot.

I don't often review films unless i think it will save someone the TORTURE of sitting thru something that i had to. Movies like this make me want to be single again. My girlfriend insisted we give this one a shot. I thought it may be okay cause Daisy Ridley was in it and surely she wouldn't take a role that wasn't good.....right ???? WRONG !!!! I wish i could reach out to her and ask her WHY WHY WHY would you be involved in such a STUPID movie !?!?!?! I CAN NOT get over how boring, weird, slow, and STUPID this movie was ! The people that rate this anything over 2 stars are getting paid or have something to do with the production. And don't try to tell me it was an "art piece" or some crap. Not buying it. It was just plain awful ! It' s got to the point where i really can't rely on the ratings anymore. You can't even rely on trailers either !

The cold blue shades of the movie will be throughout the entire timeline. The plot will not surprise you with its unusualness, but the themes and emotions it touches upon are more important. If you are close to such themes as loneliness, lack of love, loss of interest in life and small victories that help you move forward - this movie is for you.

The slow, measured tone of the narrative may put you off if you are looking for a more dynamic movie.

Daisy is beautiful. The filming is peerless, almost the entire movie can be sliced into into beautiful frames.

Bottom line: if you're like me, a melancholic, dreamer, and lover of small, sincere indie movies - don't miss it.

"I sometimes think about dying" could've easily been renamed "I have no idea what I'm featuring Daisy Ridley in a role that is rarely, if ever, seen in real life because it honestly doesn't exist, a female incel. The script is written by nepobaby Kevin Armento and a few others who I personally believe did most of their psychology research on characters using 4chan and reddit, and this presented very confusing, if not utterly contrived, characters with purposes and goals for existence utterly overshadowed by their MUNDANESS. While attempting to eschew a level of quirky romance the dialogue just loses any punchiness and the utter meaning behind any message in the film is lost. Seems to be a trend of people trying to capitilze on others misery but without understanding what actually makes them miserable in the first place, you come off as insensitive.

Let Charlie Kaufman handle the introverts.

F.