Still Life (2026)

A short drama directed by Sophie King, written by Kate Radcliffe and starring Ophelia Lovibond and Jacob Anderson.

Jessica (Lovibond) and Max (Anderson) are expecting a baby. Although this is supposed to be good news, the soon-to-be-parents are facing complications involving the pregnancy, particularly Jessica, who appears to be quite anxious.

This short focuses less on the plot, concentrating instead on the effects the anticipation of having a baby has on the couple, especially Jessica. The film examines the emotional struggles she goes through, ostensibly because she is worried that something might go wrong with the pregnancy. Then the dramatic revelation arrives.

The twist makes the viewer question everything they saw before as it reveals that as well as being apprehensive about the future life-changing event, Jessica has also been devastated by a terrible experience that took place in the past.

As the story is told though her character's perspective, Lovibond's performance is vital in order for the film to work and she pulls it off terrifically, playing a woman who is distraught for reasons that are not clear, until the end. The film relies primarily on her facial expressions to capture her emotions, with plenty of close-ups utilised to capture that. Interestingly, while attending yoga classes with the apparent intention to help her relax during pregnancy, she does reveal that she is expecting when the instructor inquires, making one wonder why. Anderson is sympathetic as Jessica's supportive partner and, although their appearance is brief, Phoebe Pryce, Alex Bhat and Jordan Alexandra effectively portray individuals who know and support the struggling couple.

For the most part, this short is about pregnancy, exploring the anxiousness and uncertainty a future parent can go through and it also points out the significance of support. More dramatically, it is also a commentary about the effects of trauma and loss.

This short manages to squeeze a lot of drama in ten minutes and the result is the emotional and unsettling aftermath of a tragedy and great acting.