“Stars At Noon” leans on Margaret Qualley as a crutch, to the point of you imagining it bending and damn near breaking by the end of the film.
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“Stars At Noon” leans on Margaret Qualley as a crutch, to the point of you imagining it bending and damn near breaking by the end of the film.
| Director(s) | Claire Denis |
| Screenplay By | Claire Denis, Andrew Litvack, Lea Mysius |
| Based On | The novel “The Stars at Noon” by Denis Johnson |
| Date Released (In Theaters, Video On Demand) | 10/14/2022 |
| Genre(s) | Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Romance, Young Adult |
| Duration | 2 Hours and 15 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Rated R |
| Noted Cast | |
| Trish | Margaret Qualley |
| Daniel | Joe Alwyn |
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Film Summary
Stranded in Nicaragua, with limited assistance to leave, an American Journalist, potentially per-diem sex worker named Trish, finds herself trying to fill her days and push the men in her life to help her get back home. Her most recent john, Daniel, a man of mystery, finds himself ensnarled, and despite both clearly things going on in their life which could be a danger to the other, they bond. Sex goes from being a transaction to something relaying love, and there is hope they can both escape the country together.
Things To Note
Why Is “Stars at Noon” Rated R
- Dialog: There is cursing
- Violence: Gun Violence
- Sexual Content: Multiple sex scenes, with notable nudity from Margaret Qualley, and seeing the behind of the men in her life
- Miscellaneous: Excessive drinking and scenes depicting smoking
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Trish
While Trish is an American journalist, it should be noted she isn’t an employed one. She decided on her own to cover what was going on in Nicaragua, and with her souring relationship with her editor, that, and not having her passport anymore, led to her being trapped and forced to use her youth, wits, and beauty to survive.
- You May Also Know The Actor From Being: Alex Russell in “Maid” or Pussycat in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
Daniel
Daniel was an English businessman who originally wanted to do what he needed and leave the country. However, Trish seduces him at the bar, and while she gives him an out, he is hooked and decides to spend the rest of his days with her, trying to help her finally escape.
- You May Also Know The Actor From Being: Uncle George in “Catherine Called Birdy“
Review
Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)
Highlights
Margaret Qualley
Truly, it is the charm of Qualley which will get you through “Stars at Noon.” Her performance as Trish, which seems like a character out of a romantic comedy, into this world of politics and potentially espionage helps give “Stars at Noon” some sort of levity and makes it interesting.
Low Points
It Is Overtly Reliant On Qualley, Lacks A Compelling Story, and Will Make You Wonder When it Will Be Over?
Unfortunately, “Stars at Noon” uses Qualley as a crutch. Her charm only goes so far, and her nude scenes seem to be aimed at exploiting her youth and body more than creating sensual moments. And while Qualley is an undeniable star, she isn’t at that point where she can power an entire movie. After a certain point, she needs someone or something notable to play off of, and “Stars at Noon” doesn’t provide that.
The whole Nicaraguan political climate issue playing in the back doesn’t create any sense of intrigue. It lets you know more about the world “Stars at Noon” is within, but the country’s destabilization isn’t pushed into something you should care about. The same goes for nearly every man Qualley is tasked with playing off of. They may look different, but their personalities, and their goals, all make them morph into something which feels generic and boring.
Even the lead male, in Daniel, all he does is suck away at whatever life and light he can get from Trish and doesn’t help carry the heavy load of a two-hour movie. Thus leaving you repeatedly checking how much time is left, as it becomes clear Qualley is not a strong enough hook to keep you engaged throughout.
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