Stillwater

Stillwater follows Bill Baker, a rough-hewn oil rig worker from Oklahoma, who travels to Marseille, France, to help his estranged daughter, Allison, who has been imprisoned for a murder she claims she didn't commit. Determined to prove her innocence, Bill navigates a foreign culture and language barriers, confronting complex legal and moral challenges while seeking justice. Along the way, he forms unexpected bonds with local residents that inspire personal growth and self-discovery. This gripping drama explores themes of family, redemption, and the lengths one father will go to for his child.

Stillwater received generally mixed to positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 75% approval rating, with the consensus highlighting Matt Damon’s strong and restrained performance as a key strength. Critics praised the film's ambitious storytelling and emotional depth, noting its blend of a gripping thriller with family drama elements. However, the film also faced criticism for its pacing and occasionally predictable plot developments. Metacritic assigned a score of 60 out of 100, reflecting mixed or average reviews. Some reviewers appreciated director Tom McCarthy's nuanced approach and the authentic depiction of cultural tensions, while others felt the movie struggled to maintain tension and fully develop its supporting characters. IMDb users rated the film at 6.6/10, indicating a generally favorable audience reception. Overall, Stillwater is recognized for its compelling lead performance and thought-provoking narrative, even if it doesn't entirely satisfy all thriller expectations.