“An impressively accomplished first feature, intensely controlled and notable for its fine performances Blake draws from his cast. Blake has three projects currently in preparation on the strength of STILL something to look forward to”
SIGHT & SOUND
“One of the most surprising, gritty and impressive British films I’ve seen in a long time”
BACKSEAT MAFIA
“It nails the uncertain atmosphere of a City in flux.....Gillen is superb”
THE TIMES ****
“Gillen’s heartfelt performance as a grief ravaged father is the mesmerising centre of STILL”
THE EXPRESS ****
Totally engaging....Utterly absorbing....Simon Blake asks hard questions and asks them beautifully. Blake is one to watch and Gillen has secured himself on the list of underappreciated leading actors”
CLOSE-UP FILM ****
“STILL is one of the most assured pieces of filmmaking I have seen in quite some time...Keep an eye on Blake as STILL promises great things ahead”
THE CHICAGOIST
“Phenomenal directing....Gripping performances....Compelling”
WE GOT THIS COVERED ****
“Blake expertly mixes psycho drama with social realism…..This is good stuff on his feature debut from Blake and as ever from Gillen”
IRISH POST ****
“Fascinating feature debut, a sleek slice of London noir.....Blake demonstrates a sharp eye for constructing attractive off centre images and a gift for teasing out strong performances. Very promising stuff”
IRISH TIMES ***
“Intelligent, complex and hugely bleak debut from one to watch writer, director Simon Blake”
TOTAL FILM ***
“Stylishly shot and a fine performance from Gillen who plays the troubled lead with a mercurial mix of swagger, self loathing and self pity”
THE INDEPENDENT ***
“An impressively powerful piece of work, uncomfortable but utterly riveting”
THE COOPS REVIEW
“A moving soundtrack and atmospheric cinematography, director Simon Blake’s debut feature is an incredibly powerful film, that’ll leave you shell shocked for hours afterwards”
NO MORE WORK HORSE
“Simon Blake’s gritty surprisingly poignant thriller... the cast is uniformly strong across the board and Blake gives each of his major players a stellar showcase”
INDIE OUTLOOK – Chicago International Film Festival, 6 Films to remember