"Still Life," a poignant short film featuring Jacob Anderson and Ophelia Lovibond, delves into the seldom-discussed anguish and recovery following stillbirth. This project, born from writer-producer Kate Radcliffe's personal sorrow and directed by Sophie King, whose brother was stillborn, seeks to illuminate the often-solitary journey of parental grief. The film, currently in post-production, employs a unique blend of dark comedy and raw emotional honesty to portray a couple's struggle, aiming to foster greater understanding and dialogue around infant loss.
The narrative of "Still Life" centers on Jess and Max, portrayed by Lovibond and Anderson, respectively, as they grapple with the stillbirth of their son at 24 weeks. Lovibond's character, Jess, navigates the unforeseen dimensions of motherhood in the absence of her child, confronting silent milestones and awkward social encounters. Anderson's Max strives to maintain their family unit amidst their shared sorrow. The film's ensemble also includes Jordan Alexandra, Phoebe Pryce, Alex Bhat, and Felicity Montagu, who contribute to the powerful storytelling.
Kate Radcliffe, the creative force behind the film, was motivated by her own experience of losing her son, Dexter. Her script is lauded by the cast for its bravery, dark humor, and ultimately, its message of hope. Ophelia Lovibond emphasized the importance of bringing such a sensitive topic to the forefront, highlighting the lack of open conversation surrounding baby loss and the subsequent isolation felt by affected parents and their support networks. Jacob Anderson echoed this sentiment, noting that storytelling provides a crucial avenue for processing difficult experiences.
The film addresses a significant public health issue, with statistics revealing that stillbirth affects a substantial number of families. In the U.K. alone, 2,680 stillbirths were reported in 2022, averaging eight per day, with rates seeing an increase in 2021 for the first time in seven years. Director Sophie King views the film as a tribute to her stillborn brother, Alex, and an opportunity for cinema to offer catharsis and empathy. The production, predominantly female-staffed, found that many crew members, irrespective of gender, shared personal connections to the theme of baby loss, underscoring its widespread impact.
Radcliffe hopes "Still Life" will ignite broader conversations about baby loss, offering solace and recognition to those who have endured similar devastating experiences. The creative team envisions this short film as a stepping stone towards a larger television series, further exploring the nuances of this profound subject. Sarah Roy serves as a producer alongside Radcliffe, with Simon Higgins as casting director and Carmen Pellon as director of photography. Both Radcliffe and King bring extensive experience from various television and film projects, including award-winning shorts, to this deeply personal and impactful endeavor. The filmmakers are preparing for a targeted festival run, with premieres planned for both U.K. and international film festivals.
This film serves as a vital platform for addressing the profound and often-hidden grief associated with stillbirth. By weaving together personal narratives with a compassionate and honest approach, "Still Life" aims to demystify this challenging experience, offering both understanding and a sense of community to those who have faced similar losses. Its release is anticipated to be a significant contribution to destigmatizing baby loss and encouraging more open dialogue.