Review: ‘Sometimes I Think About Dying’ is a Stylish and Subtle Character Study
Rachel Lambert’s new film is a poignant, but not entirely unhumorous, view of depression
Sometimes I Think About Dying, a feature length adaptation of a 2019 short film by Stefanie Abel Horowitz, is the second feature film by director Rachel Lambert. Having generated some buzz around the film festival circuit throughout the last year, the film has at least released into U.K. cinemas. It follows Fran (played by Daisy Ridley, most likely recognised for playing Rey in the most recent Star Wars film trilogy), and focuses intently on her experiences as she goes through a rather small transition: her colleague, Carol (Marcia DeBonis), is retiring and being replaced by Robert (Dave Merheje). With acute style and sincere interest in its lead character, Sometimes I Think About Dying is effective and intriguing even if never quite as moving as it seems to want to be.
What is most commendable about the film, from its opening credits to its final shot, is its style. This is a film propelled almost entirely by its quirky, borderline kitschy, visual style and by the quality of its two leading performances. The film’s style is most clearly visible in its cinematography. Dustin Lane’s work behind the camera is sleek and consistently well done…
