To the Stars
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To the Stars
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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 To the Stars is a coming-of-age drama set in 1960 Oklahoma. It's about an introverted, small-town outcast (Kara Hayward) whose life changes when she meets a smart-mouthed, sophisticated, newly arrived "city" girl (Liana Liberato). Because of the movie's intentionally homogenous small-town setting, there's little to no diversity in the cast -- or at least it seems that way in the beginning. Expect frequent strong language, including "f--k," "f--ker," "s--t," and "bitch," as well as an upsetting scene where a father strikes his daughter, causing a bruise. There's another sequence in which an angry, intolerant mob runs someone out of town. Scenes suggest that a young woman has drowned herself, and there are stories about a girl who did die that way years before. Characters kiss; there are two brief sex scenes, but they're not explicit. Teens and adults drink and get drunk, and there's cigarette smoking. There are plenty of thought-provoking themes in the story for parents and teens to discuss, and the overall message is about the power of acceptance and friendship.
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What's the Story?
TO THE STARS is set in 1960 in a small Oklahoma town where Iris (Kara Hayward) is a picked-on high school outcast because of her social awkwardness and history of nervous incontinence. Even her attractive but occasionally cruel mother, Francie (Jordana Spiro), wishes aloud that Iris would just flirt with boys, go to the prom, and not be such a prude. Iris' life changes dramatically when outspoken city girl Maggie (Liana Liberato) saves Iris from a group of obnoxious farm boys. Maggie, who hails from Kansas City, tells the school's queen bees that her father, Gerald (Tony Hale), is a photographer for Life magazine. As Iris and Maggie get closer, Iris comes out of her shell and even catches the eye of her classmate/the family farmhand, Jeff (Lucas Jade Zumann). But as Iris finally joins the school's social scene, it becomes increasingly clear that Maggie has a mysterious past she's trying to hide.
Is It Any Good?
This surprisingly touching and well-acted historical coming-of-age drama delves into issues of repression, intolerance, and self-identity. The rural Oklahoma setting is as homogenous and closed-minded as you'd expect for a movie set in 1960: This is a place where difference of any kind is looked on with scorn. So when Maggie breezes into Iris' school and life, she brings with her an air of sophistication, a sailor's mouth, and a sense of self-confidence that even the "cool" girls lack. Liberato does a fine job of expressing a range of emotions as Maggie, and Hayward is equally impressive as folded-in-on-herself Iris, who has finally made a friend. Hale plays against type as a stern father, and Malin Akerman is appropriately cowed as Maggie's beautiful but subservient mother, grace. And Zumann (Gilbert from Anne with an E) is once again an appealing love interest who sees beyond the superficial.
Director Martha Stephens and screenwriter Shannon Bradley-Colleary know how to capture the intensity of young women's close friendships, particularly considering the lack of agency they had in that time and place. Within the confines of their friendship, Iris and Maggie can be committed to truth and loyalty, but in their immediate surroundings, everyone expects conformity -- whether it's a spot on the cheer team, a magazine-approved hairdo, or a promise ring after going a bit too far with a boy. A couple of the plot twists steer the movie into melodramatic waters, and one particular story thread isn't resolved in a satisfying way. But Iris' character arc is one of growth and transcendence, and that's always the point of a coming-of-age story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violent incidents in To the Stars. How is the violence depicted, and is it realistic?
How is sex/sexuality portrayed in the movie? Which, if any, relationships seem healthy?
Which characters show compassion, empathy, and humility? Why are those important character strengths?
Discuss the depiction of alcohol and cigarette use. Are there consequences to the substance use?
What message is the movie sending about the power of friendship and accepting people for who they are? How has society changed since the time the movie takes place? What hasn't changed?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 24, 2020
- On DVD or streaming: April 24, 2020
- Cast: Liana Liberato, Kara Hayward, Adelaide Clemens
- Director: Martha Stephens
- Studio: Samuel Goldwyn Films
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship, High School, History
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Empathy, Humility
- Run time: 111 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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