Miss Stevens

Based on how I loved Timothée Chalamet's performance in Call Me by Your Name, I decided to watch this as soon as I found it on Netflix. And here, he stars alongside actresses from American Horror Story (Lily Rabe) and Riverdale (Lili Reinhart). While Call Me by Your Name was touching, I don't know, something about Miss Stevens hit me even harder. Maybe it's because I've never necessarily experienced love and heartbreak like Elio Perlman did; I found myself feeling sorrier for Billy, because he's a young teen suffering from depression, and there's this scene - without giving much away - where he tells Stevens, who he's formed a bit of a connection with, how his medication just makes him feel numb, but has been feeling great for the whole weekend. I also happen to adore stories in which teachers bond with their students. This has pretty much cemented my love for indie films.

Also, I actually thought that Billy and Rachel were going to become romantically involved, and was ready to join in on the meme by saying: "Gee, Timothée! How come your mom lets you have two older partners?"

I caught this charming little indie on Netflix before I heard of Timothee Chalamet or had seen Call Me By Your Name. The plot revolves around a well meaning although slightly sad and lonely teacher, played by an excellent Lily Rabe, who takes three of her students to an out of town drama competition. One student, Billy (Timothee Chalamet), she is warned has emotional and behavioral issues.

From the drive to the festival to the rehearsals and social events leading up to the competition, the film is filled with both funny and poignant moments. Billy develops a crush on Miss Stevens and his charm and youthful energy draw her to him as well, something that both comforts and scares her..

What I loved about Timothee Chalamet's performance was that he was always in character, always reacting in ways that subtly show he has feelings for his teacher. He is a depressed kid with possible ADHD, but he feels deeply and the longing he has for his teacher is moving and palpable. When he performs his monologue from Death of A Salesman, it's clear he's channeled those repressed feelings into his performance. It also may be the best I've ever heard that monologue done. At that moment, a star was born both in the film and in real life.

This is a comedy/drama that centers around a young female teacher who acts as a chaperone for 3 drama students en route to and during a state competition. On the way to the competition, it is painfully obvious to the audience that Margot (Lili Reinhart) and Sam (Anthony Quintal) like their teacher, but are unable to connect with her, whereas, conversely, Billy (Timothy Chalamet) reveals several common interests/characteristics.

Upon their arrival to the hotel, the audience is shown how awkward and socially reclusive the titular Miss Stevens (Lily Rabe) is. She engages in a few activities simply for the sake of doing something. She halfheartedly attempts to forge relationships with men, regardless of if they have anything in common. This led me to believe that Miss Stevens was anxious to do the same sort of things that other girls her age do, even if they aren't necessarily things she's actually committed to or enjoying. Sam and Margot are a little more open and blunt with their teacher, while Billy seems to truly take in the things she says.

I thought this was a nice commentary on how people can be very different from one another, and how sometimes you can find things in common with those you least expect. Over the course of just a few days, Billy and Miss Stevens create a strong sense of camaraderie and kinship. There were a few instances in which (I'll admit) I was preparing myself for the worst, but the relationship between teacher and student remained wholesome, with which I was pleased.

A quality movie, nice to watch and easy to like. An amazing story about love, life and commitment.

Julia Hart, who wrote (together with Jordan Horowitz, her husband) and directed it, created a deeper and more convincing female character (Miss Stevens) than any male Author could ever do. And the talented Lily Rabe played it with infinite art.

Such craftsmanship couldn't go unnoticed. And it hasn't: Lily Rabe already won South by Southwest Special Jury Recognition for Best Actress. And Julia Hart got a nomination for Grand Jury Award - Narrative Feature, at the same conference.

A mention to 'America' (the Band): the movie would not have been the same without their 'Sister Golden Hair, 1975'

There is so much that must come together to create a special movie. The acting, the plot, direction, editing and that intangible something extra.

This movie scores high on all of those. The plot is not formulaic. It doesn't always take the viewer where they expect to go. I appreciate that so much. While it is fundamentally a character study of Miss Stevens, there is a multi-layered plot that intertwines many, smaller, but all deep, and enjoyable subplots.

Timothee Chalamet once again proves why he is one of the best actors of his generation. He is extraordinary. Lily Rabe is wonderful in this as well. I've always enjoyed her work, typically as a supporting actor, but seeing her in a lead performance reinforces my belief that she is underrated. She is a great actor.

Some elements of the plot may be uncomfortable, but that's what makes for good art.

I highly recommend this movie.