I may be one of few people who didn't follow the actual story of Amanda Knox. I typically don't gravitate to that type of news story, so I'm not the main audience for this film either. That said, the one thing I knew about her case had a large effect on how I viewed it — knowing that this is a fictional telling of that story.
Stillwater is based on the case of Oklahoma-native Knox who was famously convicted of a murder in Italy and spent four years in prison before an appeals court overturned her sentence. You know that part already, right? The film follows her father (Matt Damon) and his attempt to clear her name and find the person who killed her roommate (although in the film, the victim is now her lover). Oh, and the Dad never solved the case in real life. And the core surprises in the film never happened either. Neither did that other thing that I can't reveal but derails the film. Also, the romance didn't happen.
I could defend many and most historical films that take creative license to tell a cinematic story. We don't know what was really said behind the walls of The Crown. There was no Jack and Rose on the Titanic. But for me, this is too recent to tell such a wild tale.
If none of that was true, this would be a solid thriller that is better than any recent Liam Neeson revenge flick. It's directed at a high cinematic level by Tom McCarthy (Spotlight, Visitor) and well above the quality of other summer films. I just can't recommend the whole package.
In a nutshell: Irresponsible concept. Expertly done. Next time, just write a fictional tale.
Award potential: Damon will be mentioned in the Best Acor slot until winter when there are more options. I'm not a fan of Matt Damon and how he grins and begs viewers to think he's awesome, but in an understated role where he plays a guy that people realize is not at all awesome at what he does, he's winning at that role.
Where to watch: In theaters now.
The Ten Buck Review: Not worth your ten bucks.
