Grief is an emotion most of us have experienced and many films create the feeling of grief using different techniques with sound, lighting, and script. Few films focus on grief, and even fewer take it to the point where grief is almost a character in and of itself. Stop Time, written and directed by Paul Schwartz is one such piece.
Peter De Vries, Nelson Avidon, is working his way through the sadness of having lost his wife. Other than moments when he is thinking of moments involving her, his life has lost color. Adrianna Maier is a divorcee who has just recently received some information about her life prior to her adoption, before she was three years old. Their mutual friends Mason, Eddie Kehler, and Carla, Judy Jerome, have decided the two should meet that night at the after-party they are hosting for Peter’s new gallery show. Covering 24 hours of their lives until they meet, we learn more about them and see bits of New York City along the way.
I am not normally a fan of slow pacing; however, this film has changed my mind. For this story, the pacing was just right. With most of the film in black and white, a few moments in sepia tone, and slightly more vivid Super 8 when Peter is thinking of his wife, it supported the experience of life, where the known (in the film) photographer was emotionally and mentally. Avidon’s expressions, movements, and way of speaking all supported the emotional roller coaster he was surviving. This was being balanced against Adrianna being further along with the healing process post-divorce and able to focus on new information from her very early childhood that had come to light. She is also starting a new lighting design project at a smaller off-off-Broadway theater, which is giving her something to look forward to. Maier provided a mostly confident woman who was open to learn more about her past.
With both main characters having careers that involve lighting and shadow, the decision to use black and white for most of the film adds another layer of depth. Not only does this allow the audience to feel the weight of emotion, but it also symbolizes how they view the world, creating a deeper connection.
While I was watching, the world outside had come to a stop as well due to winter weather in the south. The eerie silence added to the stillness and calm that the characters portrayed.
Keep your eyes out for other film festivals where this can be seen, or for it to be picked up for distribution.
Director: Paul Schwartz
Cast: Nelson Avidon, Tara Westwood, Patty McCormack, Kelly Deadman, Christina Toth, and Catherine Quirico
Selig Rating: 4 stars
Runtime: 1h 18m
Premier: Dances With Film New York – January 17, 2026, currently on festival circuit
Genre(s): Drama
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.