Among the huge explosions and escapism of the blockbuster world, that’s intensely resonating with audiences right now, I find there’s a vital need for something a little slower, stiller, smart and reflective – and Sometimes I Think About Dying certainly grants those wishes.

Directed by Rachel Lambert, and written by Stefanie Abel Horowitz, Katy Wright-Mead and Kevin Armento (based on his own play ‘Killers’), Sometimes I Think About Dying is a character piece, focusing in on the world of Daisy Ridley’s Fran – an introvert in her nature and day-to-day working life.

After Lambert and cinematographer Dustin Lane set the early scenes of the small town setting, with wonderfully photographically framed establishing shots of the people and streets, with those West coast trees and harbours of the USA feeling earthy and damp, you’re eased into the film with fantastical font and music (from Dabney Morris), giving it a quirky edge that feels less weird and more lingering’s of what the characters are set to reveal. And, let’s be clear, I like weird.

Ridley’s Fran is our central character, we witness her faintly chewing the inside of her lip, or forcing her hands together in moments of personal uncomfortableness but it’s never overstated, it’s more where the director is leading us. Taking us into her work life, we watch as Fran relaxes in her segmented office cubicle and listens to the distance chatter of her work mates as if it were rain, she also enjoys her own daydreaming whilst still working, but it’s clear she’s drifting off to other realms like the passing clouds.

This camera focus on movement and her wandering mind gives us glimpses of this other world she’s visiting, one of deserted forests and driftwood tents, and while she does feel melancholic, there’s an accompanying fanciful score that isn’t sad or fearful, and instead signifies that although she may exist in a deeper despondency, there’s her imagination endeavouring to reassure her.  

And so when new co-worker, Robert (Dave Merheje) arrives – taking over from Marcia DeBonis’ Carol (who deserves mentioning for her natural, human scenes while working at the Office, and later on in a more sorrowful circumstance) – things do change just a little after he reaches out to try and connect with her. Successfully, they go out on a date to a local cinema – which is a favourite thing of his to do. And, here’s the thing, they do click but not quite enough to drag the story away from Fran’s personal progression or perspective, and we’re very much here for her journey.

And for the portrayal of Fran, Daisy Ridley is excellent. She’s awkward, she’s human, and it’s never overplayed. Initially, we’re shown that her day-to-day is good enough for her, but also gradually we’re looking into her low self-esteem, even though she’s full of invention and talent – but it just needs the light of others around her to try and switch her own belief on.

One of Ridley’s finest character evolutions for Fran is during a murder mystery ‘house party’ scenario (which must include a mention for Parvesh Cheena’s brilliant Garrett), which means she gets to share her veiled secrets through unexpected improv, but it also remains complex as she’s never fully comfortable trying to be like everyone else – and that’s absolutely fine.

Much like the gentleness of Jim Jarmusch’s Paterson, and the poetry of Adam Driver’s lead character finding value in seemingly ordinary moments, Sometimes I Think About Dying doesn’t shy away from hopelessness, or feeling that lack of self-worth everyone will know about (if they’re honest with themselves), but it also somehow celebrates in the importance of life itself at the same time. In essence, offering the message ‘what exactly are you waiting for?’ and suggesting that embracing life, or trying things, is important even if at first they seem terrifying.

Beautifully, photographically outlined, Sometimes I Think About Dying is truthful, tender and welcomingly so, yet also deep, human and real. These apparently basic emotions can often fall into melodrama, or feel too complex to reflect on film but in this circumstance, through the prism of Daisy Ridley’s Fran, it’s awkwardly exquisite. 

Sometimes I Think About Dying is in cinemas 19 April