Stillwater 2018

Bill Baker (Ryan Vincent) is a hardworking oil rig worker living in Stillwater, Oklahoma, who faces unexpected hardship when he gets laid off from his job. Struggling to adapt to his new situation, Bill spends his days applying for temporary construction work and frequently visits his ailing former mother-in-law, Sharon (Deanna Dunagan), who relies on an oxygen tank. During these visits, he helps out around her house, and she offers him small items for his daughter, Allison, who is currently incarcerated abroad, accused of a crime she maintains she did not commit.

Eventually, Bill decides to visit his daughter in Marseille, France, where she has been imprisoned for years. Upon arriving at a hotel, he recognizes that he has been a recurring guest, and he quickly notices the pervasive cultural differences while attempting to adapt to his new surroundings. Restless and disturbed by the loud music coming from the room next door, Bill endeavors to get some sleep, but the noise proves relentless. When he ventures outside, a language barrier hampers communication with the woman next door, Virginie, but he eventually learns she doesn’t speak English either.

The primary focus of Bill’s trip becomes his intense effort to free Allison (Abigail Breslin), who was convicted of murder after her girlfriend Lina was found dead. The case gained widespread media attention, with much of the public believing her guilt. Allison maintains her innocence, asserting that her alibi involves another person named Akim. She hands Bill a crucial letter, written in French, with instructions to deliver it to her lawyer, Mrs. LeParq, and emphasizes its importance. Bill promises to do so and later seeks out her lawyer, only to be told that the case has been exhausted and no further legal options remain.

During his stay, Bill encounters Virginie (Camille Cottin), a friendly neighbor who helps translate Allison’s letter. The letter suggests that someone from Allison’s school community overheard a confession about the stabbing, hinting at new evidence that might exonerate her. Bill’s persistence leads him to consult private investigators and lawyers, but many dismiss his concerns or refuse to get involved. Nevertheless, Bill teams up with a seasoned private detective, Dirosa, who explains how difficult it is to find the real culprit without proper DNA testing and warns him about the costs involved.

Driven by hope and desperation, Bill proceeds with investigations, including visiting the university and trying to track down witnesses. He also bonds with Virginie and her daughter Maya (Lilou Siauvaud), assisting her with her new apartment and sharing parts of his background, including a troubled past and family loss. His determination intensifies when he becomes convinced that Akim, the potential witness, might be involved in more than just the crime he was accused of. Bill notices Akim in public and follows him, which escalates into a confrontation. Ultimately, Bill kidnaps Akim, restrains him, and keeps him captive in his basement while awaiting DNA results.

As days pass, Bill’s obsession grows, and police begin to suspect his actions. Virginie, growing concerned about Bill’s increasingly reckless behavior, ultimately disapproves of his methods. Meanwhile, Bill learns from police that the DNA evidence links the crime scene to another burglary, casting doubt on Allison’s guilt and supporting her eventual release. Bill’s efforts, though drastic, lead to his daughter’s exoneration, and Allison is freed, visibly scarred but grateful.

In the end, Allison admits to Bill that she had given Akim the necklace in an attempt to get Lina out of her apartment, but she never anticipated the tragedy that followed. The town celebrates her return with a joyful gathering, but Bill remains changed by his journey. The film concludes with Bill and Allison sharing a quiet moment on the porch, contrasting the familiarity of their surroundings with the profound transformation he has undergone. Despite the chaos and heartbreak, Bill’s unwavering love for his daughter ultimately guides him through the turbulence, highlighting themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice.