To the Stars (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
To the Stars is a 2019 drama directed by Martha Stephens, starring Kara Hayward as Iris Deerborne, Jordana Spiro and Shea Whigham. It runs 1 hour 49 minutes and earned $3,196 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 80/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 49m (109 min)
- Director
- Martha Stephens
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Northern Lights Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is To the Stars About?
The premise of To the Stars without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In 1960s Oklahoma, a quiet farmer’s daughter develops an unexpected and close friendship with a vibrant, free-spirited newcomer. As the small town observes their bond, the young woman must find the courage to embrace her own identity and navigate the complexities of growing up amidst societal expectations.
To the Stars Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- lesbian
- new girl in school
- sexual confusion
- platonic lesbian love
- 1960s
- oklahoma
- school bullying
- abusive father
- closeted lesbian
- conservative society
- female nerd
- teen movie
+38 more Show fewer
- big breasts
- liar
- teenage girl wears eyeglasses
- skinny dipping
- girl undressing
- friendship between girls
- lesbian interest
- female protagonist
- female loner
- couch potato
- lesbian attraction
- female friendship
- opposites attract
- abusive husband
- female female kiss
- melodrama
- in love with best friend
- closeted homosexual
- homosexuality
- incontinence
- homophobia
- teenage girl
- girl wears eyeglasses
- wetting pants
- bullying
- year 1961
- high school
- classroom
- new student
- new girl in town
- throwing a rock
- school
- school dance
- crush
- swimming
- night swimming
- bully
- sexual orientation
To the Stars Cast & Characters
Kara Hayward leads the cast as Iris Deerborne, with Jordana Spiro as Francie Deerborne and Shea Whigham as Hank Deerborne. Directed by Martha Stephens; 15 actors are credited in all.
- Director Martha Stephens
-
Kara Hayward as Iris Deerborne -
Jordana Spiro as Francie Deerborne -
Shea Whigham as Hank Deerborne -
Lucas Jade Zumann as Jeff Owings
Also Starring in To the Stars
· 11 more- Liana Liberato Maggie Richmond
- Malin Åkerman Grace Richmond
- Adelaide Clemens Hazel Atkins
- Tony Hale Gerald Richmond
- J.D. Evermore Len McCoy
- Farah White Barbara
- Sophi Bairley Hattie
- Madisen Beaty
- Jeremy Parr Deputy Neale
- Lauren Cole Rhonda Robertson
- Lauren Stephenson Rhonda Robertson
To the Stars Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (88) and weakest in story & flow (66).
To the Stars Echo Score Breakdown
The film stands out as an emotionally resonant coming‑of‑age drama with strong performances and striking visuals. Critics highlight natural young portrayals and thoughtful direction, while users praise its melancholic atmosphere, layered characters, and memorable score. Some note occasional plot contrivances and a tendency toward familiar tropes, yet the emotional impact remains lasting. Consequently, the movie delivers a compelling, heartfelt experience that rewards repeat viewings.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 78
The film’s artistry, especially its cinematography and direction, is a clear strength. Reviewers describe the black‑and‑white visuals as exquisite and the shooting as nicely crafted, while users emphasize stunning framing and atmospheric composition. A few critics mention the visual style can feel conventional or overly subdued. Overall, the artistic execution is solid and elevates the narrative.
- Character & Emotion 88
Character work and emotional depth are among the film’s most praised elements. Critics note natural performances and moving portrayals of friendship, and users highlight layered leads, nuanced chemistry, and an outstanding central performance. Minor remarks of occasional unsubtle moments are outweighed by the overall empathy generated. The ensemble delivers credible, affecting portrayals that anchor the story.
- Story & Flow 66
The story’s coming‑of‑age premise receives mixed reactions. Positive notes emphasize an eye‑opening, heartfelt journey and relatable themes of small‑town longing, while critics and some viewers point to contrived plot points, late‑stage clichés, and reliance on familiar tropes. Despite these flaws, the narrative maintains enough emotional thread to stay engaging. The plot is modestly effective but not uniformly strong.
- Sensory Experience 80
The film’s sensory components—soundtrack and visual style—are largely celebrated. Reviews commend an atmospheric score, evocative music choices, and striking black‑and‑white imagery that creates a dreamy mood; users echo the impact of the cinematography and music. A minority view the visual approach as dated, but overall sensory design enriches the viewing experience. Sensory elements significantly enhance the film’s tone.
- Rewatch Factor 75
Rewatch value is high, with many viewers finding lasting appeal. Users report that the film stays on their mind, offering new emotional layers on subsequent viewings, and appreciate its sincere tone and memorable atmosphere; critics refer to its pleasant, lingering impression despite familiar aspects. Some note occasional pacing issues, yet these do not diminish repeat enjoyment. The movie rewards multiple viewings and maintains relevance over time.
To the Stars Plot Summary
What happens in To the Stars from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Iris [Kara Hayward] Deerborne is a teenager living in a rural Oklahoma town in 1960. The shy Iris is emotionally abused by her mother Francie Deerborne [Jordana Spiro], who wishes her daughter were more glamorous. At home, her father Hank Deerborne [Shea Whigham] tries to shield his family from the town’s judgment. At school she is bullied by many of the other kids, especially the popular but insecure “queen bee” Clarissa Dell. Iris harbors a quiet attraction to Jeff Owings [Lucas Jade Zumann], a fellow student who works for her father. Iris frequently sneaks out at night to swim in a local pond, wishing that she could disappear.
Full summary
The whole story of To the Stars, scene by scene
To the Stars Box Office
To the Stars grossed $3,196 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$3.2K
- International
- $3.2K
To the Stars Trailers & Videos
The trailer of To the Stars.
How Well Do You Know To the Stars?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In what decade is the story of 'To the Stars' set?
Cars in To the Stars
16 cars on screen, including the 1956 Ford Ranch Wagon and the unknown.
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1956 Ford Ranch Wagon Main role -
unknown Important role -
1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Minor role -
1965 Ford F-100 Minor role
Seen To the Stars?
Movies Like To the Stars
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including To the Stars, The Star and Under the Stars.
To the Stars FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office and post-credit scenes of To the Stars, each answered in a sentence.
How long is To the Stars?
To the Stars runs 1 hour 49 minutes (109 minutes).
When was To the Stars released?
To the Stars was released on January 25, 2019.
Who directed To the Stars?
To the Stars was directed by Martha Stephens.
More films by Martha Stephens Who is in the cast of To the Stars?
To the Stars stars Kara Hayward as Iris Deerborne, Jordana Spiro as Francie Deerborne and Shea Whigham as Hank Deerborne, among 15 credited actors.
How much did To the Stars make at the box office?
To the Stars grossed $3,196 worldwide.
Does To the Stars have a post-credit scene?
No. To the Stars has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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