2017 * TV-MA * 1h 21m J.K. Simmons. What an actor. What an amazing performance! And the thing that's even more incredible, is that Mr. Simmons doesn't have a single line of dialogue in the entire movie. All his thoughts and feelings are displayed by his facial expressions and body language. If you don't believe me, than you need to check this powerful film out for yourself.
Mr. Simmons plays Steve, a bitter, sad, lonely drunk. He lives in a dreary pigsty of a place and we follow him through the course of an evening were he spends his time drinking and reminiscing about his life. His story is told through a series of flashbacks to his childhood, his college days, and his married life. The childhood Stevie is played by Iain Armitage, who does an excellent job of taking us through his difficult upbringing. The college age and married version is played by Sebastian Stan. Steve's father was a raging alcoholic and as it so often happens, he follows in his father's footsteps. It's not all dreary, and there are plenty of pleasant times with his wife and young child.
However, the overriding theme is how alcohol and truly wreck ones marriage and life. This is one of those movies that will make you want to quit drinking, that's for sure. It makes its point without lecturing. And the acting is absolutely superb. I don't know if Simmons won any awards for I'm Not Here, but he sure deserved one.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy.
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