Lily

Lily is a 2013 drama film directed by Matt Creed, and co-written by Creed and the film's leading lady, Amy Grantham. The film also features Simon Chaput and Benjamin Slater in significant roles. The powerful and moving story is intimately driven, shining the spotlight on themes such as cancer, recovery, identity, and self-discovery.

The film traces the journey of a woman named Lily, convincingly played by Amy Grantham, a breast cancer survivor. The narrative is set in New York City, where Lily lives. It takes us deep into her world, as she grapples with the after-effects of her cancer treatment while trying to find her footing in the world once again. The screenplay is potent with emotional heft as Lily is not only grappling with the physical trauma of her ordeal but also the emotional baggage that comes with it.

Amy Grantham's performance is commendable in the titular role, bringing authenticity to Lily's story, given the fact that it closely mirrors her own experiences, thereby blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Her portrayal of a cancer survivor is marked by stark vulnerability, strength, and resilience, yet at the same time, revealing a complex character that the audience can both sympathise and empathise with.

Simon Chaput plays an essential part as an older man who encounters Lily's path. His relationship with Lily adds more depth and dimensions to the narrative, highlighting the intricacy of human interactions against the backdrop of personal struggles. Benjamin Slater also lends an interesting dynamic to the storyline, allowing space for exploring ambiguous relationships and evolved friendships.

Director Matt Creed skillfully handles the narrative, meticulously crafting every frame imbued with a layer of emotion without losing the realness of the situation. His directorial style is raw and intimate, focusing on the micro-dynamic world of the central character, Lily.

The film is marked by a brilliant exploration of Lily's internal emotional landscape, and Creed does an excellent job creating an atmosphere that sharpens the viewer's focus on Lily's sense of disorientation, fear, and her effort towards self-discovery. The cinematography too deserves a nod for its role in portraying New York City as not just a bustling metropolis but also as a reflective companion to Lily's journey.

The movie doesn't steer away from addressing the more tangible issues that arise from Lily's struggle against her disease. Creed delves into a bold exploration of the financial, professional, and relationship troubles increasing the resonance of Lily’s struggles.

Made like an independent-style film, Lily brings to light the value of hope and finding strength in vulnerability. It's a fascinating study of a woman's experience with relapse, recovery, and returning to normalcy after surviving one of the most dreaded diseases. It’s a stark departure from glamourous Hollywood narratives, opting instead for grounded realism to carry the story.

Lily is not a light-hearted film, but it touches on an important subject matter that needs to be addressed. It's an emotional exploration of human frailty, relationships, and life after a severe illness. It provides viewers with a journey of introspection and self-discovery, reminding everyone of the worth of life, the struggle of survival, and the beauty of resilience.

Despite its serious narrative, Lily is a film filled with hope. It tells us of a woman regaining her strength, existing bravely in the face of adversity, and daringly shaking off the labels the world has assigned to her. Lily teaches everyone that life, despite its fragility, is something to be cherished.