I’m not a huge fan of independent movies but when they are done well they are as good or better than most Hollywood product.  Still Here is a strong example of that; it tackles a difficult, harrowing subject with honesty and authenticity, as well as artistry.  Some elements remain problematic but overall this is a well made, powerful movie.

Vlad Feier’s film deals with a missing black teenager and the strain her sudden disappearance puts on her distraught family.  The story is full of racial tension, as the New York police barely investigate, and the reporter (Johnny Whitworth) who does become involved doesn’t really know how to relate to inner city people.  The film also tackles journalistic responsibility and police corruption, but its focus is on the girl’s family, specifically her father (Maurice McRae).

Maurice McRae is superb as the distraught father Michael Watson; he carries the story and as Michael tries to remain hopeful about his lost daughter we can witness how his faith begins to slip away as the days drift past him.  The reporter Christian Baker (Whitworth) is the catalyst to the film’s action, and we can see how the wild turns of his investigation change him as well.  The story carries a couple of big surprises, which are heart-rending to both the characters and the audience.  And then there’s a doozy of an ending, too.

This rating would be even higher if not for the deliberate racism of the police captain, which is quite off-putting (if very believable), some rather pretentious editing (especially at the climax) and a pace that should have been a bit quicker.  Still, the merits outweigh the liabilities and I am very glad to have seen this low-budget but very effective drama.  I will remember it for a long time.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  8 April 2021.