Still Life (2013 film)

Still Life is a 2013 British drama film written and directed by Uberto Pasolini. The film stars Eddie Marsan as John May, a solitary council worker whose job is to locate the next of kin of people who have died alone. He meticulously organizes funerals with care and respect, ensuring even the most isolated individuals receive a dignified farewell.

When John's department faces budget cuts, he is assigned his final case: a man who lived near him. As he investigates the deceased's life, John embarks on a personal journey to connect with the man's estranged acquaintances and family, rediscovering his own humanity and facing his own loneliness in the process.

The film is notable for its understated tone, observational style, and emphasis on themes of isolation, compassion, and the value of human connection. It received critical acclaim, particularly for Marsan's performance and Pasolini's sensitive direction. It won the Orizzonti Award for Best Film at the 70th Venice International Film Festival. The film's quiet and melancholic atmosphere, coupled with its focus on the mundane details of John May's life, offers a poignant reflection on the lives of ordinary people and the importance of remembering them.