Stella

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.

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?

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.

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.