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Thriller

Kidnapping Stella (2019): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Kidnapping Stella (2019) movie poster

Kidnapping Stella is a 2019 thriller directed by Thomas Sieben, starring Jella Haase as Stella, Clemens Schick and Max von der Groeben. It runs 1 hour 29 minutes. IMDb users rate it 4.9/10.

IMDb rating
4.9/10
Echo Score
49
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Kidnapping Stella (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 29m (89 min)
Director
Thomas Sieben
Genre
Thriller
Original language
German
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Kidnapping Stella About?

The premise of Kidnapping Stella without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Stella is abducted in broad daylight by two masked men who take her to a secluded apartment where she is bound. The kidnappers have meticulously planned the operation, but Stella refuses to cooperate. As the situation unfolds, she must use her wits to try and escape and uncover the motives behind her abduction.

Kidnapping Stella Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • kidnapping
  • remake
  • remake of british film
  • character name in title
  • tied feet
  • tied up while barefoot
  • barefoot female
  • remake of remake
  • foreign language title
  • gun
  • sound proof room
  • ransom
+38 more
  • van
  • mask
  • hood
  • handcuffs
  • two word title
  • name in title
  • female name in title
  • lock
  • abduction
  • locked door
  • abducted woman
  • locking a door
  • kidnapped woman
  • f rated
  • criminal
  • room makeover
  • accomplice
  • camera shot of feet
  • drill
  • scheme
  • forest
  • woods
  • digging
  • camera shot of bare feet
  • masked man
  • screaming woman
  • violence
  • carrying someone
  • damsel in distress
  • carrying someone in one's arms
  • taking off pants
  • handcuffed woman
  • handcuffed to a bed
  • woman tied up
  • bound woman
  • tied to a bed
  • woman tied to a bed
  • bound to a bed
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Cast & crew

Kidnapping Stella Cast & Characters

Jella Haase leads the cast as Stella, with Clemens Schick as Vic and Max von der Groeben as Tom. Directed by Thomas Sieben; 4 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Thomas Sieben

More films directed by Thomas Sieben: Home Sweet Home - Where Evil Lives, Prey and Staudamm.

Full filmography
Ratings

Kidnapping Stella Reviews & Ratings

IMDb users rate Kidnapping Stella 4.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 49/100, strongest in art & craft (60) and weakest in rewatch factor (30).

49 /100

Kidnapping Stella Echo Score Breakdown

Kidnapping Stella presents a polished thriller that delivers intermittent suspense but struggles to offer originality. The film’s consistent pacing and claustrophobic setting contribute to sustained tension, while its visual palette effectively underscores the sombre mood. However, predictable plot turns and derivative structure often undermine its impact. Acting performances receive mixed notices, and the narrative provides limited emotional depth or lasting novelty. Overall, the movie feels competent yet ultimately unremarkable in a crowded genre.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 60

    In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates a keen visual eye through its measured framing and deliberate colour palette. Reviewers note the dreary tones accented by striking red props and dynamic camera movements that sustain a tense atmosphere. However, the production design and editing offer few surprises, and the overall style leans into glossy familiarity rather than bold innovation. In sum, the visuals are competent but lack distinctive flair.

  • Character & Emotion 55

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are generally serviceable but uneven. Some praise centers on the lead actress’s nuanced presence, while others find the supporting cast constrained by thin writing. The film offers moments of genuine tension yet rarely deepens emotional stakes or explores complex motivations. Overall, the acting anchors basic engagement but does not create a memorable emotional connection.

  • Story & Flow 45

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative moves at a steady clip and delivers occasional twists, yet it remains largely predictable. Reviewers acknowledge solid pacing and claustrophobic tension, but most point to its close adherence to the original template and lack of fresh ideas. Plot developments feel familiar, and engagement wanes when expected beats unfold without real surprise. The story is coherent but struggles to distinguish itself from better predecessors.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    With respect to sensory experience, the film offers a cohesive visual style supported by an understated soundtrack and purposeful sound design. The dreary ambience and well-placed moments of silence heighten the sense of isolation, though the English dubbing quality occasionally distracts. The audio-visual mix maintains mood consistency, but technical elements are solid rather than standout. In sum, the sensory atmosphere is effective but not immersive.

  • Rewatch Factor 30

    Regarding rewatch factor, the movie’s strong resemblance to its British predecessor significantly diminishes replay value. While initial viewing yields moderate suspense, repeated viewings reveal predictable beats and minimal surprises. The film’s lack of narrative innovation and shallow emotional depth leave little incentive for subsequent watches. Consequently, its lasting appeal is limited and likely reserved for only the most devoted genre enthusiasts.

Plot

Kidnapping Stella Plot Summary

What happens in Kidnapping Stella from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Two former convicts, Vic and Tom, devise a desperate plan to secure wealth by kidnapping Stella, the estranged daughter of a wealthy businessman. This audacious scheme leads them to snatch Stella and take her to a dilapidated apartment. There, they prepare a room that is soundproofed, marking the beginning of a twisted ordeal for her. In a chilling turn of events, they strip her of her clothing, forcing her into a tracksuit. To ensure she cannot identify them, Vic and Tom blindfold and gag her, effectively tying her to a bed and shrouding their identities with ominous masks whenever they interact.

Full summary

The whole story of Kidnapping Stella, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Kidnapping Stella?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who are the two main kidnappers in the movie?

Cars

Cars in Kidnapping Stella

9 cars on screen, including the 2007 Citroën Jumpy and the 1992 Mazda 626.

All 9 cars
  • 2007 Citroën Jumpy in Kidnapping Stella 2007 Citroën Jumpy Important role
  • 1992 Mazda 626 in Kidnapping Stella 1992 Mazda 626 Minor role
  • 2013 Škoda Rapid in Kidnapping Stella 2013 Škoda Rapid Minor role
  • 2013 Audi Q5 in Kidnapping Stella 2013 Audi Q5 Background role
Details

Kidnapping Stella Also Known As

18 alternative titles, including “ステラ 真昼の誘拐” and “ขังอำมหิต”.

Also known as
  • ステラ 真昼の誘拐
  • ขังอำมหิต
  • 스텔라를 납치했다
  • Sequestrando Stella
  • Porwanie Stelli
  • El secuestro de Stella
  • Il sequestro di Stella
  • Похищая Стеллу
  • Stella elrablása
  • Η Απαγωγή της Στέλλας
  • Отвличането на Стела
  • 密室绑架
+6 more
  • לחטוף את סטלה
  • 史黛拉失蹤事件簿
  • Únos Stelly
  • Kidnapper Stella
  • ステラ -真昼の誘拐-
  • 綁架千金

Seen Kidnapping Stella?

FAQ

Kidnapping Stella FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Kidnapping Stella, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Kidnapping Stella?

Kidnapping Stella runs 1 hour 29 minutes (89 minutes).

When was Kidnapping Stella released?

Kidnapping Stella was released on July 12, 2019.

Who directed Kidnapping Stella?

Kidnapping Stella was directed by Thomas Sieben.

More films by Thomas Sieben

Who is in the cast of Kidnapping Stella?

Kidnapping Stella stars Jella Haase as Stella, Clemens Schick as Vic and Max von der Groeben as Tom, among 4 credited actors.

How is Kidnapping Stella rated?

Kidnapping Stella has 4.9/10 on IMDb, 53% on TMDB, 2.2/5 on Letterboxd and 3.8/5 on Movie Insider.

Does Kidnapping Stella have a post-credit scene?

No. Kidnapping Stella has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Kidnapping Stella in?

The original language of Kidnapping Stella is German.

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