About To the Stars

'To the Stars', released in 2019, is a beautifully crafted drama film set in the mid-twentieth-century rural Oklahoma. The plot revolves around Iris Deerborne, a shy and introvert teenager with a social phobia, and the unique friendship she develops with Maggie, a cosmopolitan and energetic new girl in town. The story is full of emotional depth, presenting an insightful take on the struggle of teenage life and the power of friendship and acceptance.

Making / Production

The film was exquisitely shot in black and white, creating a timeless, evocative visual experience. The cinematography brilliantly portrays the rustic Oklahoma setting where the story unfolds. Directed by Martha Stephens, the film paints a vivid and sensitive portrait of young women coming-of-age in a conservative society, actualizing both the hardship and simple beauty of that time and place.

Actors

• Kara Hayward as Iris Deerborne. She played the part to perfection, effectively portraying Iris’ journey from a repressed young girl to a more confident individual.
• Liana Liberato as Maggie Richmond. Liana convincingly played the bold, charming and seemingly unflawed Maggie, who has her own private dilemmas.
• Jordana Spiro as Francie Deerborne. As Iris' mother, she beautifully depicted a woman hurt by her past and trying to protect her family in her own misplaced way.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was shot on a 35mm film for a vintage feel mirroring the time period it depicts.
• 'To the Stars' premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Dramatic Competition category.
• The film was initially made in color but changed to black and white in the post-production stage to reflect the era more accurately.

Quotes

• "I'm tired of waking up feeling crappy everyday." - Iris
• "You ever thought about why you feel the way you do?" - Maggie
• "I could help you if you let me." - Maggie

Music, Soundtrack

• Soundtrack and score perfectly capture the period and setting, providing a compelling audible backdrop to the narrative.
• The film’s beautiful, melancholic score was composed by Heather McIntosh, adding another layer of emotional depth to the cinematic experience.