By Lara Thain

“Do you wish you could unknow me?

I don’t know you.”

As part of St. Andrews’ international film festival, Sands, Sometimes I Think About Dying screened in the Byre Theatre on April 20th followed by a quick Q&A with the film’s director Rachel Lambert.

The film is based upon the play Killers, and follows Fran, played by Daisy Ridley, an office worker in a small town on the American west coast who takes the word ‘introverted’ as a challenge. At the film’s opening, we watch as all of Fran’s colleagues connect with each other, while Fran falls deeper into her fantasies where she imagines dying. Fran’s life is monotonous, filled with spreadsheets and no deep personal connections. As the film is completely framed around her, we become observers in the same way that Fran does, witnessing idle conversation day after day; however, despite all the dialogue, we learn nothing of the characters. This all starts to change when the office hires a new employee, Robert, who is easy-going and quick to make a joke. After sharing banter over slack messages, Fran agrees to join Robert to the movies.

Over their blossoming relationship, we start to learn about Robert: he loves movies, enjoys eating pies at restaurants, went to school in Canada and has been divorced twice. But through this, we still learn nothing about Fran. It comes as nearly a shock to find out that she grew up in the small town they work in. It is this disconnect that nearly drives Robert and Fran apart. We also start to learn more about their colleagues’ inner lives. An invite to a dinner party proves that one co-worker has lied about being a vegetarian. A run-in at a bakery proves that a recently retired colleague’s husband has fallen fatally ill. As we learn more about the characters orbiting around Fran, we simultaneously know nothing and everything about Fran. We are privy to her innermost and darkest thoughts, but do not know her last name.

Lambert emphasizes the importance of location in the film: the town essentially works as a character as Fran’s relationship with space is foregrounded. We see beautiful early morning shots of the town and the nature filling it. These are backed by a beautiful score that acts as a replacement for Fran’s inner monologue.

Despite the morbid flashes into Fran’s mind, the film is unexpectedly witty and humorous. Fran and Robert’s banter functions to relieve tension, resulting in the film being not quite romance, not quite comedy, but having elements of both.

Sometimes I Think About Dying is philosophical enough that we question the importance of relationships in our own lives but does not pretend to be something it’s not- with quick wit and non-pretentious characterization. The film is also characterized by its phenomenal acting that endears the viewer to the office workers of a firm whose purpose isn’t quite clear. Overall, this film is perfect for a quiet night in, and leaves the viewer with a stronger appreciation of relationships and nature.

ST.ART does not own the rights to any images used in this article.