User reviews

This is a reimagining of the Cinderella tale. Cinderella is Stella, a German Jewish refugee who is working for a fascist who lives in a manor home in rural Scotland, teaching his children German. He doesn't realize she's Jewish, of course.

The film has received several awards, it was filmed during the pandemic (an accomplishment in and of itself) and it doesn't seem to be getting a fair shake here. I'd encourage readers to find reviews that were published in newspapers and magazines to get a better idea of what this film is all about.

It is a little slow, but the acting is fine, the writing is good, too, and if you like the subject matter and the premise, you won't be disappointed.

The costumes are good and the cinematography is lovely. The Scottish countryside deserves a best supporting actor nomination, as the setting adds much to the mood of the film.

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.

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?

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.

I couldn't stop thinking about this film after I watched it... The combination of beautiful cinematography, compelling characters, a stunning setting and the most poignant music completely transported me to a different time and place.

The storyline has been explained already, but really all you need to do is make yourself a cup of tea and sit down to be taken to a completely different world. Such a joy to watch a film that isn't just action and quick one-liners but actually takes the time to develop characters and portray the story behind the story.

Highly recommended for all those who love storytelling.

I watch and enjoy movies for the story, characters, and visuals. I watched this with my wife, and we loved all three. The story transported us to the time and place. Stella maintained our interest from beginning to end. The acting was real and I loved the cinematography. The locations are beautiful and fascinating. This is a thoughtful and well-paced story. It is more of an old-fashioned dramatic period movie, then a modern 'force action every minute so the audience doesn't have to think and feel' film. I imagine this being perfect for a TMC classic experience. Really loved it and it's ability to transport us to a different time and place with people I cared about.

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.

From start to finish, this was a beautiful film. New characters, great dialog. I I felt like I was somewhere else for a few hours which is sometimes exactly what I need in a film. I particularly enjoyed the pacing of the film. It felt very even and relaxed. Everything seem to support the dialogue which you just don't see in movies right now. It wasn't so much as a "period piece" as a character driven story in appointment, history that was both calm and the "lull before the storm." i'm very much looking forward to what this Director does next and what new characters and worlds she brings to the screen.

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.