OK look, with a title like this, most people would avoid a film like this Still/Born in the movie title. I did too, but in an attempt to watch every movie Colin Minihan has been involved in, this scary possession movie is a must-see. Still/Born not only isn’t what you think it is, but it has some twists and turns that will keep you guessing right until the very end.
Supernatural Movies
If you missed the headline, I will discuss the ending of the film as well as important plot points. For those who are hesitant to watch Still/Born due to its triggering theme, fear not. Contrary to what one might think, the title Still/Born is not simply a metaphor, and the movie’s synopsis does not fully capture its compelling still-born theme. Let me assure you, it is not a mere metaphor. However, like any worthwhile film, it does not exploit its subject matter for gratuitous effect. It handles the sensitive topic with finesse and intelligence.
Mary (played by Christie Burke) is pregnant with twins. The Stillborn movie plot takes off when one of the twins dies during birth, she is diagnosed with postpartum depression. All of her symptoms, behavior, and rationale can be knocked down by her illness. But is it an illness, or has a supernatural force decided she wants her other baby as well?
Still/born Movie Review
Fresh off my accidental second viewing of Mara, I must say that this is what a Sleep Demon film could have been like. The movie, directed by Brandon Christensen and Colin Minihan, is undeniably creepy, well-filmed, and well-performed. There is one minor flaw, however, with Burke’s early-onset obsessive eyes. But let’s focus on the positives.
One aspect that stood out to me was the clever use of smooth transitions. In particular, there is a visually captivating time-lapse sequence in the second half that effectively conveys the passage of time. Although the slow camera pan in a circle around the room is not a groundbreaking technique, Christensen executes it brilliantly. It’s fascinating to see how five minutes for Mary translate into over two hours for her husband. By the time the camera completes its circle, he has returned home, emphasizing the dilated experience of time. This artistic choice adds depth to the storytelling and enhances the overall viewing experience.
Postpartum Depression and Psychosis
There are two distinct approaches to interpreting the movie Still/born. The first perspective revolves around looking at it as a haunting tale of despair and psychological turmoil. This viewpoint disregards the existence of a supernatural entity relentlessly pursuing Mary to claim her sole surviving child.
From this angle, the story can be distilled down to a harrowing account of a mother battling her own inner demons. The camera footage seems to indicate that Mary alone is responsible for the incidents, such as her fall down the stairs and leaving Adam unattended in the bathtub. No sign of any malevolent force.
Mary’s sole motivation for contemplating the unspeakable act of harming her neighbor’s child is derived from the testimony of a single woman who possesses a tape recording. One may argue that the evidence she provides is not substantial enough to justify such a drastic course of action, particularly if one believes that there is no supernatural presence involved.
Now, one may wonder if the fact that Mary frequently adopts a sinister and gruff voice in her interactions with her absent husband is mere coincidence. Although it may initially seem like harmless playfulness, could it instead indicate that Mary’s postpartum struggles have pushed her to the brink of madness? Is it possible that her impulsive actions and sleep-deprived state have caused her to enter a fugue-like state and commit these deeds on her own? In this interpretation, there is no demon, only Mary conversing with herself on the tape recording.
Lastly, the ending of the movie introduces Jack’s descent into the world of postpartum psychosis triggered by hearing his wife’s recording and his fragile mental state. At this point, he becomes highly susceptible to experiencing a psychotic break.
Approaching Still/born with this interpretation allows for a thought-provoking exploration of the psychological depths within a mother’s psyche and the impact of postpartum struggles on her and those around her.
The Other Side — Lamashtu Spoiler & Explanation for Still/born Review
Of course, it’s much scarier and less depressing to go the supernatural route. Stillborn explained starts with Lamashtu is part of Mesopotamian mythology, she is a female demon. Lamashtu tormented women during childbirth and, if she got the chance, stole their children.
It’s here he discovers the full extent of Mary’s assumed psychotic ramblings. For the first time, he isn’t in fear of his wife harming his child. He’s just sad and left with his only son. In this final scene, he discovers that everything Mary has been trying to tell him is true and Adam is gone. The demon is real and got her way. She kidnapped both children and now Jack will have to be friends with the lady from the original tape recording.
Supernatural Horror and Demonic Possession
Rather than getting all worked up about Jack’s never-ending work trips, I found myself feeling sorry for both. Come on, any spouse who has dealt with long absences while taking care of a small kid knows that this kind of timing is as predictable as the sunrise. I mean, I’ve changed houses three times while popping out my two boys. Talk about fun times, right?
But you know what had me rolling my eyes? Jack’s decision to install cameras. Seriously, dude? Instead of playing big brother, he should have hired some help once Mary started on her meds. Although I must admit, those cameras did make for some truly spooky scenes. So, I’ll let it slide this time.
And let’s not forget the absurdity of telling Mary to get rid of any evidence of Adam’s twin. I mean, come on, it’s not like she was clinging onto it a year later. I’ve held onto t-shirts that haven’t fit me in ages, just waiting for that magical day when they’ll miraculously fit again. Hey, don’t judge! Anyway, it wouldn’t have hurt to throw in a top-notch babysitter to give Mary a much-needed break and have Mom swoop in for a weekend of laundry duty. Because let’s be real, that kind of stuff happens in real life too.
StillBorn
Still/Born is not a masterpiece but a good movie with solid bones that give you plenty to digest. My type of flick you could say. It was also scary enough that I didn’t want to venture off to bed. I was a little creeped out.
So which way did you look at it?
I give Still/born
3.75 I’ll take this over Mara any day of the week out of 5
- Directed by Brandon Christensen, the Stillborn horror movie is his directorial debut. Not surprisingly though Brandon has had his hands on other films with Minihan such as What Keeps You Alive (Executive producer) and It Stains the Sand Red (Producer.) Both Colin and Brandon were writers for the film together.
- Starring Christie Burke (Falling Skies 2014), Jesse Moss (Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010), Rebecca Olson (Killing Gunther (2017), Jenn Griffin (Cadence 1990), Sean Rogerson (Grave Encounters 2011), Michael Ironside (Scanners 1981).
Colin Minihan
- Not all cinephiles I come across seem as impressed with Minihan’s narratives as I seem to be. They are never straightforward, and always a little odd in places (I’m looking at you It Stains the Sand Red.) But I love them all in one way or another.
- If you check out my article for Grave Encounters, you’ll see just how much I think the sun shines out of his butt.
- Minihan’s most recent film What Keeps You Alive made my top ten movies for 2018. Then I’ve only got four more Minihan films to watch and I’m Minihan qualified.
