Still Life, a short film headlined by Minx star Ophelia Lovibond and Game of Thrones and Interview with the Vampire actor Jacob Anderson, is produced by 19th Street Productions and explores the aftermath of stillbirth through the lens of dark comedy and emotional honesty.
The project is a deeply personal endeavor for writer and producer Kate Radcliffe, who draws on her own experience of losing her son Dexter to create a story that tackles themes rarely explored on screen. Director Sophie King, whose brother was stillborn, is directing the production and is currently in post-production.
The film follows Jess and Max after their son is stillborn at 24 weeks pregnant. Lovibond plays Jess navigating an unexpected form of motherhood marked by silent milestones and awkward social encounters, while Anderson plays Max, a woman trying to hold her family together through grief.
Jordan Alexandra, Phoebe Price, Alex Butt and Felicity Montague round out the supporting ensemble.
“We felt that Kate’s script was a very important subject matter to bring to light,” Lovibond said. “There is still little conversation about baby loss, and it can feel impossible to overcome, both for those who have experienced the incredible devastation firsthand, and for those who want to help (but don’t know how).”
Anderson added, “Stories are a great way to get through what needs to be said, and Kate has written a brave, darkly funny, and ultimately hopeful story about continuing to live in the face of unimaginable circumstances.”
UK statistics show that in 2022, one in every 250 pregnancies will result in a stillbirth, with 2,680 stillbirths recorded in the same year, with an average of eight babies being born every day. The stillbirth rate increased in 2021 for the first time in seven years.
Director King said: “A film’s greatest power is its ability to bring catharsis and empathy, and Kate’s brutally honest script does just that. It was an honor not only to learn all about Kate’s eldest son, Dexter, but also to honor her stillborn brother, Alex, by making this film.”
The production staff was comprised primarily of women, and Radcliffe noted that many staff members, including men, had personal connections to the baby’s loss.
Radcliffe said: “If this film does anything, I hope it starts a conversation about baby loss and resonates with anyone who felt as alone and devastated as I did the day Dexter died.”
The creative team envisions this short film as a proof of concept for a possible television series. Sarah Roy will serve as producer alongside Radcliffe. Simon Higgins is the casting director and Carmen Perron is the cinematographer.
Radcliffe’s credits include “The Graham Norton Show,” “The Russell Howard Hour,” “Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains” and “A League of Their Own.” Mr King is the director of BAFTA Connect, whose work has screened at Oscar and BAFTA-eligible festivals, and whose credits include Channel 4’s Disability Benefits and the award-winning short film Do Your Condoms Make You Fat?
Filmmakers are planning a targeted festival run this year, with a focus on UK and international festivals.
