Directed by Rachel Lambert and written by Stefanie Abel Horowitz, Kevin Armento and Katy Wright-Mead. Fran, who likes to think about dying, makes the new guy at work laugh, which leads to dating and more. Now the only thing standing in their way is Fran herself. Starring: Daisy Ridley, Dave Merheje, Parvesh Cheena, Marcia DeBonis, Megan Stalter, Brittany O’Grady and Bree Elrod.

There are some films which inherently won’t be for everyone, but for those who can appreciate their unusual or unexpected qualities, there’s plenty to enjoy, and Sometimes I Think About Dying is one of them. It’s extremely quiet, refined and slow, it strongly focuses on the mundane, repetitive nature to life, especially office work. The stylistic choices which Rachel Lambert makes lean into awkwardness and become an expression of anxiety and the reluctance towards social interaction. Lambert brings an artistic edge to those themes, letting a metaphorical and imaginative vein blend into the film’s otherwise everyday existence.

Choosing to move the story in such a slow, purposeful way can mean that it is painfully real. It doesn’t want to look away when things get tense, uncomfortable or embarrassing, it embraces those difficulties. That’s not to say the viewing experience itself is uncomfortable, the writing flows well, its contemplative moments are relatable and it doesn’t push too hard on the more complex side to its emotions. Stefanie Abel Horowitz, Kevin Armento and Katy Wright-Mead create a story which has a lot going on beneath the surface. They skilfully communicate the struggles and fears of Fran (Daisy Ridley) without a need to express them overtly. It also has an underlying sense of humour which peppers the story throughout.

The other side of that is the performance from Daisy Ridley, how she captures that never-ending anxiety and self-doubt, even to the point of punishing or sabotaging Fran. It’s almost difficult to watch at times, exploring how anxiety and depression can grow toxic behaviour, pushing away positivity, friendship or more. Initially she portrays that typical mousy quality but to watch her very slowly and gently come out of her shell, there’s a hidden intriguing personality.

Dave Merheje makes Robert the perfect counterpart to Fran, he immediately builds such a natural, generous and kind personality. There’s a big sweetness and understanding to him which is charming and effortless. The two have an unusual but organic chemistry, it’s rocky much like any other blossoming connection but extremely sympathetic.

One of the surprises here is a late comer, arriving in Sometimes I Think About Dying’s final scenes, a superbly written and excellently delivered monologue from Marcia DeBonis. It’s raw and brutal, creating this perfect pivotal moment for the film. DeBonis has given a lot of memorable performances over the years, no matter how brief the part and she doesn’t really get the credit she deserves.

Sometimes I Think About Dying explores anxiety with every facet at its disposal. It’s honest yet poetic, stylish yet defiantly everyday, it explores a very relatable and relevant struggle while also building a sweet romance. The performances are perfectly understated and sympathetic, Ridley leads the charge well as Fran. Rachel Lambert’s direction is excellent, there’s a lot to be found for those who have the patience to seek it out.

Verdict: ✯✯✯✯ | 8/10

SCREENING IN NEW YORK & LOS ANGELES FROM JANUARY 26 – IN SAN FRANCISCO, BOSTON, PORTLAND, & DC FEBRUARY 2

Coming to UK cinemas from April 19