Watch To the Stars

To the Stars is a touching coming-of-age story set in Oklahoma in the early 1960s. The movie explores the life of a painfully introverted and socially awkward teenager named Iris Deerborne, who often keeps to herself and struggles to make friends. But her life takes a U-turn after she meets Maggie, a new girl in town who is equally ostracized by her peers because of her unconventional fashion sense.

The film opens with Iris' life at home in a small, conservative community where she gets little attention from her negligent parents. Her only solace is in listening to classical music and drawing sketches in her diary. When Maggie arrives, Iris' world is turned upside down as the two girls slowly start to form a bond despite Maggie's initial hostility towards her. Maggie is an enigmatic figure, flouting the traditional norms and displaying a fearlessness that Iris admires.

As their friendship deepens, Iris discovers more about Maggie's troubled past and is moved to offer her help and support. Together, the girls navigate through the complexities of their daily life as they learn to cope with rejection, desire, and betrayal. But their relationship remains a secret, and they must constantly hide their true feelings from the people who expect them to conform to the rigid expectations of their social norms.

To the Stars stands out for its stunning cinematography, highlighting the stark contrast between the open fields and the claustrophobic small-town life. The melancholic soundtrack also works to create a somber mood that reflects the emotional turmoil the characters go through. This film is a masterful exploration of teenage anxiety and shows how friendship can empower young people to find acceptance and self-growth.

Iris is played brilliantly by Kara Hayward, whose subtle performance captures her character's shyness and longing for human connection. Jordana Spiro gives a stellar performance as Maggie, a character that brings a much-needed sense of recklessness and spontaneity to the film. Tina Parker also shines as Miss Fonzo, Iris' compassionate and perceptive English teacher who helps to guide her through her struggles.

The movie deals with several relevant themes, including bullying, feminism, and sexual identity, which are treated with sensitivity and nuance. While it doesn't delve too deeply into these topics, the film still manages to leave a powerful impression on the viewer.

To the Stars is a deeply affecting and memorable film that resonates long after the credits roll. It tells a universal story of finding one's place in the world and the importance of human connections in the midst of a society that disapproves of anything out of the ordinary. The film is a testament to the power of cinema to capture the essence of human experience, and the director Martha Stephens does an impressive job of bringing to life a story that is both heartwarming and heart-breaking.

To the Stars is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 60.