Showing Up

Michelle Williams stars as an artist preparing to exhibit her work in Kelly Reichardt's unrushed comedy-drama.

Lizzy (Michelle Williams) is a clay sculptor on a deadline. With an exhibition of her new work looming over her, she harbours quiet resentments towards the outside forces that distract her from her art.

Her work at a nearby Arts and Craft College takes up most of her time and her repeated pleas to her landlord and fellow artist Jo (Hong Chau) to fix the hot water system are falling on deaf ears – she has an exhibition of her own to work on. Most significantly, though, the burden of nursing an injured pigeon back to health weighs on her conscience.

Curator's Note

Marking the fourth collaboration between Michelle Williams and director Kelly Reichardt, which began with Wendy and Lucy in 2008, Showing Up continues to carve out a space for Williams' nuanced and minimalistic performances. Her portrayal of Lizzy seems quiet and reserved on the surface, but the waters beneath run especially deep. Micro-stresses, anxieties and exhaustion are all masterfully and effectively articulated non-verbally. There are no grand peaks or troughs, but something always simmering throughout.

Showing Up premiered at the 75th Cannes Film Festival and has gone on to be an indie darling around the world on the film festival circuit.

– Reece Goodwin, Curator (Film & TV)