Stella

Stella is a beautifully told story of a German Jewish university student in England who was cut off from family and support after Kristallnacht in 1938. Now a refugee, she makes her way to Scotland to find employment as a German tutor in the home of a Nazi sympathizer. As in the tale of Cinderella, Stella must make her way in an alien environment, hiding her identity and ultimately making a life for herself.

This film is a gem. Jessica Fox has written and directed a lyrical story that is tight and beautifully resolved. The actors, without exception, give fine performances. Oli Fyne, as Stella, is a standout. The skillful cinematography, beautiful original score and carefully designed costumes and sets richly evoke 1930's rural Scotland. This film deserves the awards it has garnered.

Oh Dear, I really wanted to like this film. The theme is interesting, the cast includes some distinguished names and it was filmed in an area I know well. But to say Stella is pedestrian is an insult to pedestrians. The theme of a Jewish refugee seeking work in a country house run by a rabid fascist in the 1930s should be fascinating and charged with drama and stress. But I'm afraid the combination of an undisciplined script with weak dialogue, frequently amateurish acting, single level directing and lazy editing results in a movie with few low or high spots and at least thirty excess minutes. What was required was a team of script editors who knew what makes a film pull the audience along with it and creates pace and emotional excitement. I'm afraid neither are present here and you are left wondering at the end, what actually changed over the previous two hours. Such a shame to see excellent actors like Gary Lewis make a perfunctory appearance, spew out unrealistic propaganda and then disappear. Some reasonably good cinematography, but the opportunity to establish the action in a beautiful rural landscape was largely missed.

Set in rural Galloway this film is well written and beautifully filmed.

Great to see that it's won so many awards and to see it out in the UK. Well deserved.

The story is woven over a brief period of time in 1937 pre the second world war. Stella has to work out who to trust and how she can survive in difficult circumstances. Fantastic performances from Oli Fyne who plays Stella and Louis Hall who plays Will. You are rooting for them throughout. The backdrop of the Galloway coastline and hills as the location is very fitting.

The 2 hours flew by and I was left wanting to know more about what happens next! Will there be a Stella 2?

I looked forward to seeing this film, as the description appealed to me and I was not disappointed. The plot absolutely kept me engaged, the film looked great and Oli Fyne in particular was excellent. The developing relationships between Stella and Lord Rig and his family were well done, as we waited to see if Stella would be exposed. The relationship between Rig and Mosely and the the British fascists was also really interesting to watch unfold . I also ended up having a lengthy argument with my family as to what happened to Stella and her husband (after the film) during the war!! Definitely kept us watching.

I loved this film. Amazing locations, some fine new Scottish talent and a great storyline.

I enjoyed the plot and although it does have extremely serious undertones, there was a relaxed sub plot and some really humorous scenes too.

I thought that the script was great, the costumes authentic and loved seeing the Scottish landscape brought out in such depth. Added to the fact that this was shot during the pandemic, it shows the dedication to the film from those in front of, and behind, the cameras.

Would recommend this to any true film lovers and it is of no great surprise that this film has picked up so many awards already. Be sure to check this film out.