Watch Stella's Last Weekend

Stella's Last Weekend is a heartfelt and honest portrait of two brothers trying to navigate the complexities of growing up, family relationships, identity and love. The film explores the changes that happen during an important weekend that marks the end of summer and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. The story takes place in a charming house by the lake, where Stella (played by Paulina Singer), a free-spirited young woman, resides with her father (played by Nick Sandow) and her two half-brothers, Jack (played by Nat Wolff) and Oliver (played by Alex Wolff). Jack is a struggling musician who is trying to make it big while Oliver is a high school student who is about to start his senior year.

As the weekend approaches, tensions rise and secrets are revealed as each character faces their own challenges. Jack is struggling to finish a song for his record label while Oliver is trying to pursue his crush. Meanwhile, their father is dealing with a health issue and Stella has an unexpected visitor who complicates things even further.

The film explores themes of love, loss, and the messiness of family dynamics. Jack and Oliver's relationship is a central focus of the film, as they try to resolve issues that have built up over time. The dynamic between the two brothers is captured with sensitivity and humor, making their relationship as relatable as it is complex.

The performances of the three leads bring depth and authenticity to their respective characters. Nat Wolff portrays Jack with an intriguing blend of sensitivity and anger that is both captivating and believable. Alex Wolff, on the other hand, delivers a standout performance as the younger brother trying to find his place in the family while battling his own insecurities. Singer is a breath of fresh air onscreen, delivering a captivating performance as the free-spirited Stella.

Director and writer Polly Draper brings a unique perspective to the film, as it is based on her own experience with her sons Nat and Alex Wolff. She captures the nuances of sibling relationships and family dynamics with ease, creating a world that feels authentic and lived-in. Her direction is understated and lets the characters do the heavy lifting, allowing the audience to connect with them on a personal level.

The cinematography of the film is stunning, capturing the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding areas in a way that feels both magical and grounded. The use of natural light, warm colors, and close-ups adds intimacy and depth to the film. The soundtrack is also a highlight, featuring original music by Nat Wolff and a mix of indie and alternative songs that reflect the mood of each scene.

Overall, Stella's Last Weekend is an engaging film that explores the highs and lows of family relationships with honesty and humor. It is a coming-of-age story that feels fresh and relatable, with performances that are captivating and engaging. The film will leave audiences with a sense of nostalgia and a newfound appreciation for the importance of family.

Stella's Last Weekend is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 60.