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Stillwater

Stillwater is a 2021 American crime drama film directed by Tom McCarthy.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Stillwater is a 2021 American crime drama film directed by Tom McCarthy. It stars Matt Damon as an unemployed oil-rig worker from Oklahoma who travels to Marseille, France, to help his estranged daughter, who is imprisoned for murder and claims she is innocent. The film was loosely inspired by the Amanda Knox case.

Plot

Stillwater centers on Bill Baker’s attempt to help his daughter Allison after she is convicted of murder in France. His efforts lead him into a complex search for evidence, personal reconciliation, and a new life in Marseille.

Cast and production

The film was directed by Tom McCarthy and stars Matt Damon, Abigail Breslin, and Camille Cottin. It was written by McCarthy with Marcus Hinchey, Thomas Bidegain, and Noé Debré.

Inspiration

The screenplay was loosely inspired by the Amanda Knox case, but the film is not a direct retelling. Reviews and summaries describe it as drawing on that real-life case while creating a fictional story.

Release and reception

Stillwater premiered in 2021 and was released theatrically in the United States by Focus Features. It is generally classified as a crime drama or mystery-thriller.

Key facts

  • The film follows Bill Baker, an Oklahoma oil worker who goes to France to support his daughter, Allison.
  • Allison is in prison for a murder she says she did not commit.
  • The story is loosely inspired by the Amanda Knox case.
  • The film is set largely in Marseille, France, and involves cultural and language barriers.
  • Focus Features distributed the film in the United States.
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Canadian context

Stillwater is relevant to Canadian viewers as a widely distributed English-language film available through standard film distribution and streaming channels in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Stillwater about?
It is about an Oklahoma father who travels to Marseille to help his daughter, who is in prison for a murder she says she did not commit.
Who stars in Stillwater?
The film stars Matt Damon, Abigail Breslin, and Camille Cottin.
Is Stillwater based on a true story?
It is loosely inspired by the Amanda Knox case, but it is a fictional film rather than a direct adaptation of true events.
Where was Stillwater filmed?
The film is set in Marseille, France, and Oklahoma; the available sources confirm the Marseille setting, but they do not clearly list full filming locations.
What is the rating of Stillwater?
It is rated R for language.
How to watch Stillwater?
The film had a theatrical release and was later available on DVD or streaming; current availability depends on your region and local services.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stillwater_(film)
    Supports: Basic film details including year, director, cast, runtime, and premise.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10696896/plotsummary/
    Supports: Plot summary involving a father traveling from Oklahoma to France to help his imprisoned daughter.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/stillwater-movie-review-2021
    Supports: States the screenplay was loosely inspired by the Amanda Knox case.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/stillwater
    Supports: Cast, rating, release format, and plot details.
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/stillwater_2020
    Supports: Synopsis, rating, genre, and cast.