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To the Stars (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

To the Stars (2019) movie poster

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.

worldwide gross
$3.2K
Echo Score
80
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To the Stars (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 49m (109 min)
Director
Martha Stephens
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
  • 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
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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in To the Stars

· 11 more
Ratings

To the Stars Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (88) and weakest in story & flow (66).

80 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Box office

To the Stars Box Office

To the Stars grossed $3,196 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$3.2K

International
$3.2K
Videos

To the Stars Trailers & Videos

The trailer of To the Stars.

To The Stars - Official Trailer
Quiz

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

  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

In what decade is the story of 'To the Stars' set?

Cars

Cars in To the Stars

16 cars on screen, including the 1956 Ford Ranch Wagon and the unknown.

All 16 cars
  • 1956 Ford Ranch Wagon in To the Stars 1956 Ford Ranch Wagon Main role
  • unknown in To the Stars unknown Important role
  • 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air in To the Stars 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Minor role
  • 1965 Ford F-100 in To the Stars 1965 Ford F-100 Minor role

Seen To the Stars?

FAQ

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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