Stars at Noon
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Stars at Noon
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Stars at Noon is a romantic thriller, set against a backdrop of political unrest between Nicaragua and Costa Rica, and features sex with nudity, strong language, and constant threat. The film stars Margaret Qualley as Trish, an American journalist who begins an affair with Daniel (Joe Alwyn), a British businessman, who Trish thinks is her best way of getting out of Nicaragua. There is an underlying sense of threat throughout -- armed guards are seen on the streets and dangerous scenes portrayed near the border. Characters are shot dead with bodies shown. Set during the COVID pandemic, characters wear masks and take PCR tests. Sex is portrayed numerous times, with breasts and full nudity from behind shown. Money also exchanges hands after sex. Language includes "f--k" and "s--t," and characters smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol throughout most of the film, appearing drunk on occasion. The movie is adapted form a 1986 novel by Denis Johnson.
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What's the Story?
In STARS AT NOON, Trish, an American journalist (Margaret Qualley), meets Daniel (Joe Alwyn), a British businessman, in Nicaragua and the two begin a steamy affair. As a web of lies and conspiracy begins to unfold, the two must figure out who to trust as they are forced to find a way to escape the country.
Is It Any Good?
French director Claire Denis made quite an impact at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the Grand Prize and being nominated for the Palme d'Or for this languid tale of romance in a time of political unrest. A jazz-inspired score and surreal interludes, where time appears to stop altogether, initially gives Stars at Noon a dreamlike quality. But over the course of the film, it starts to feel like a kind of purgatory for the characters as they look to find a means of escape. It's certainly atmospheric, even if in real-world time the film meanders on for well over two hours.
Qualley is mesmerizing to watch and imbues the role of Trish with a chaotic energy, though both she and Alwyn slightly lack the years and experience to carry off the wiser, more knowing aspects of their characters. Benny Safdie's CIA agent steals every scene he's in, and a video-call cameo from John C. Reilly as Trish's sometimes editor is another welcome addition. If you're willing to immerse yourself in the murky waters, Stars at Noon will pull you fully into its world of sex and intrigue.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the political backdrop of Stars at Noon. How did the political unrest and the shadow of colonialism affect the position the characters were placed in? How did it contribute to a sense of threat?
How did the movie portray sex and nudity? Was it affectionate/tasteful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Talk about some of the language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How was drinking and smoking depicted in the movie? Were they glamorized? Did the characters need to do these things? What were the consequences?
The film is based on a book. What other adaptations have you seen?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 14, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: October 14, 2022
- Cast: Margaret Qualley, Joe Alwyn, Benny Safdie
- Director: Claire Denis
- Studio: A24
- Genre: Thriller
- Topics: Book Characters
- Run time: 135 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: sexual content, nudity, language and some violence
- Last updated: January 10, 2023
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