Still Mine, written and directed by Michael McGowan, is a gently powerful drama based on a true story, centered on an aging farmer’s unwavering love and indomitable spirit.
The film follows Craig Morrison (James Cromwell), an 87‑year‑old farmer in rural New Brunswick, who sets out to build a smaller, more accessible home for his wife Irene (Geneviève Bujold), whose dementia is worsening . When a zealous building inspector slaps him with a stop‑work order for not having formal plans, Craig faces off against bureaucracy in a classic “little guy vs. the system” narrative
James Cromwell delivers a career‑highlight performance as Craig—stately, strong-willed, yet tender—and skillfully avoids caricature even in his impassioned courtroom scenes . Geneviève Bujold brings warmth and poignancy as Irene, capturing both her vivacity and her fragility with nuance Their chemistry—built over 61 years of cinematic marriage—is deeply affecting .
McGowan’s direction is deliberate and unflashy, giving space for character and emotion to breathe The rural New Brunswick setting is lovingly rendered—at times almost like a character of its own—as the pace mirrors the rhythms of the land
Critics praised Still Mine for its understated power and honest portrayal of aging. It holds a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metascore of 72 Reviews highlight the film’s emotional resonance, its sharp critique of red tape, and its compassionate depiction of enduring love
Still Mine is a beautifully crafted drama about dignity, devotion, and resistance against modern conformity. It balances a heartfelt family story with a principled clash against bureaucracy, without ever veering into sentimentality. Anchored by standout performances and humanistic storytelling, it's a moving exploration of partnership, aging, and what it means to fight—for both love and autonomy
