When “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was released in 2015 one of the great joys from the film was the introduction of Daisy Ridley – whose commanding screen presence signaled something special in the young actress.

While Ridley has appeared in several films outside the “Star Wars” universe since then it’s felt like that potential has yet to be truly tapped.

That time may have finally arrived with “Sometimes I Think About Dying.” This offbeat tale of loneliness and isolation allows Ridley to work outside the box, with a mesmerizing performance that really showcases her talents in a way audiences have yet to see.

It’s a beautiful turn giving the film its much needed heart and soul to bring it all together.

Ridley plays Fran, a shy office working in the Pacific Northwest who is more content with doing her job then interacting with any of her co-workers. In some moments that feel like something out of a Miranda July film, director Rachel Lambert takes the audience inside Fran’s head – where we discover she is constantly daydreaming after dying.

Content to live in her shell with her morbid thoughts, Fran just goes about her business until a new employee named Robert (Dave Merheje) arrives. His arrival sparks an interest that causes Fran to slowly break out of her shell – a process that proves to be rather difficult despite her best efforts.

The screenplay (credited to Stefanie Abel Horowitz, Kevin Armento and Katy Wright-Mead) does a really good job of exploring mental health in an honest and believable way – allowing the audience to get a real sense of the lonely world Fran has created for herself.

That is easily conveyed in Ridley’s performance – an introverted turn that only works because of the wonderful physical work from Ridley. Her character is one of few words, who seems to keep her emotions close to the vest – but we can see her isolation and desire to connect really come out in her facial expressions.

Ridley is the driving force behind “Sometimes I Think About Dying.” It’s a daring performance from an actress willing to take that challenge and run with it. The film’s laid back style may not be for everyone, but Ridley’s beautiful performance is enough to make this film well worth your time.

Starring: Daisy Ridley, Dave Merheje

Directed by: Rachel Lambert

Rating: PG-13 for thematic material, some language and brief drug material

Playing at: Belcourt Theater in Nashville

Grade: B