In a world of permits, rules, and red tape, one man fights not with rage—but with love, lumber, and a hammer.
Still Mine, directed by Michael McGowan, is a profoundly tender, quietly defiant story about aging, autonomy, and the simple, radical power of devotion. Based on the true story of Craig Morrison, the film is not loud or flashy. It doesn’t need to be. It builds its strength plank by plank—just like its protagonist—into one of the most affecting love stories of the decade.
🧠 Plot Overview: Love, Loss, and a Hand-Built Home
In rural New Brunswick, Canada, 87-year-old Craig Morrison (James Cromwell) decides to build a smaller, more manageable house for his wife Irene (Geneviève Bujold), whose memory is beginning to slip due to progressive dementia. But despite his decades of experience in carpentry, Craig’s efforts are soon halted by bureaucratic inspectors and building code violations.
As his wife’s condition worsens, Craig faces not only the deterioration of the woman he loves, but a legal system that refuses to recognize his competence. What begins as a home renovation becomes a battle for dignity, independence, and the right to care for someone in his own way.
🎭 Characters and Performances: Dignity in Every Line
James Cromwell delivers a towering, heartbreakingly restrained performance as Craig. He’s stubborn, resourceful, and deeply loving—not in grand gestures, but in quiet persistence. His hands do the talking, and his eyes carry decades of unspoken history.
Geneviève Bujold is luminous as Irene. Her portrayal of cognitive decline is subtle and humane, capturing the tragedy of fading identity without ever slipping into sentimentality. Their chemistry is honest and lived-in—a portrait of marriage in its final, most revealing chapter.
🎬 Direction and Visual Style: Simplicity as Strength
Michael McGowan directs with elegance and clarity, allowing the emotional weight of the story to rise naturally. The cinematography celebrates both the raw beauty of the Canadian countryside and the texture of Craig’s work—the grain of the wood, the dust in the air, the creak of unfinished floorboards. Every image feels crafted, not staged.
There’s no manipulation here, no sweeping strings or forced drama. Just authenticity.
🧬 Themes: Time, Love, and the Right to Be Old
Still Mine is a love story, yes—but also a quiet protest. Against ageism. Against bureaucracy. Against a society that too often sidelines the elderly instead of listening to them.
- Aging and Autonomy: Craig refuses to be treated as obsolete. His fight is not just for Irene, but for his own worth.
- Love in Action: The romance here isn’t youthful passion—it’s 60 years of commitment, expressed through resilience and sacrifice.
- The System vs. the Soul: The film critiques a world where paperwork matters more than people.
✅ Final Verdict: Quiet, Powerful, and Deeply Human
Still Mine doesn’t shout. It whispers. And that whisper stays with you. With two powerhouse performances and a script that honors life’s smallest victories, this film is a rare thing: honest, uncluttered, and deeply moving.
⭐ Final Rating: ★★★★½ (9/10)
A masterfully told tale of aging and enduring love. A film that builds slowly—and leaves something permanent in the heart.
Directed by: Michael McGowan
Written by: Michael McGowan
Starring: James Cromwell, Geneviève Bujold
Genre: Drama / Romance / Based on a True Story
Release Date: September 10, 2012 (TIFF); theatrical release 2013
Runtime: 102 minutes
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