Watch Stella Does Tricks

Stella Does Tricks, directed by Coky Giedroyc, is a gritty and suspenseful drama about a young runaway who turns to prostitution in Glasgow to survive. The film stars Kelly Macdonald as Stella, a 16-year-old girl from a broken home who leaves her abusive stepfather and police officer mother to fend for herself. The story is set in the bleak and deprived areas of Glasgow where Stella roams the streets, evading the dangers of prostitution and drug addiction, while trying to piece together the fragments of her shattered past.

The film opens with a montage of disjointed scenes that give us a glimpse of Stella's life on the streets. We see her negotiating prices with potential clients, smoking crack cocaine, going to parties, and even getting arrested by the police. Stella is a quick-witted and street-smart girl who knows how to survive in this harsh environment. She is also a dreamer, constantly imagining a better life for herself, often escaping into a world of fantasy and fairy tales.

Despite her resilience, Stella is vulnerable and easily manipulated. One night, she meets a young man named Eddie (Hans Matheson), who works as a street magician. Eddie is charming, charismatic, and seems genuinely interested in Stella's wellbeing. He offers her a place to stay, food, and companionship. Stella is hesitant at first, but soon realizes that Eddie is different from the other men she has encountered. He treats her with kindness and respect, and they form a bond.

As Stella starts to feel comfortable with Eddie, she discovers that he too has a dark side. He is involved in a criminal gang, and their relationship becomes increasingly complicated. Eddie's friend, Fitz (James Bolam), is a violent and unpredictable man who takes a liking to Stella. Fitz is possessive and jealous of her, and sees her as a threat to his friendship with Eddie. Stella realizes that she has become caught up in a dangerous game and must tread carefully if she wants to survive.

Throughout the film, we see how Stella's past experiences have shaped her present. Through flashbacks, we learn about Stella's childhood and the traumatic events that led her to run away from home. We see how her mother's alcoholism and her stepfather's abuse have scarred her emotionally and physically. These flashbacks serve as a reminder that Stella is not just another prostitute on the streets, but a young girl with dreams and aspirations.

The film is raw and unflinching in its portrayal of prostitution and drug addiction. It shows the ugly side of life on the streets and the toll it takes on those who live it. However, it also highlights the resilience and strength of young women like Stella, who fight against the odds to survive. Kelly Macdonald's performance as Stella is superb, and she brings depth and complexity to the character. Hans Matheson also shines as Eddie, a complex and conflicted character who is both charming and dangerous.

In conclusion, Stella Does Tricks is a powerful and thought-provoking film that exposes the harsh reality of life on the streets. It is a story about survival, friendship, and the strength of the human spirit, even in the darkest of times. This film is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates gritty and realistic dramas that tug at the heartstrings.

Stella Does Tricks is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.