Movie of the Day: Stella: A Life (2023) by Kilian Riedhof
- dailyentertainment95
- Apr 20
- 6 min read
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/stella-a-life (France), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/stella-ein-leben (Germany), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/stella-a-life (Spain)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13506526/
About movie: https://www.globalscreen.de/mm/en/content/168799
Detailed Summary: "Stella: A Life" tells the story of Stella Goldschlag, a young German Jew living in Berlin during the Nazi regime. Despite the increasing repressive measures, Stella dreams of becoming a jazz singer. However, in February 1943, she and her parents are forced into hiding, and her life takes a tragic turn. After being betrayed and caught by the Gestapo in 1944, Stella is tortured and threatened with deportation to Auschwitz. In a desperate attempt to save herself and her parents, she makes a devastating decision: to become a "grabber," systematically betraying other Jews in hiding to the authorities. The film explores the morally impossible choices faced by individuals under extreme duress and the complexities of survival in the face of unimaginable cruelty.
Plot Summary: Stella Goldschlag, a vivacious young Jewish woman in Nazi Berlin with aspirations of becoming a jazz singer, is forced into hiding with her parents. After their hiding place is discovered, Stella is arrested by the Gestapo. Facing torture and the threat of deportation, she agrees to become a "grabber" – someone who hunts down and exposes other Jews hiding in Berlin – in exchange for her own and her parents' safety. The film follows Stella's harrowing descent as she navigates the treacherous landscape of survival, forced to betray her own community.
Director's Vision: Kilian Riedhof aimed to create a film that explores the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals under extreme duress, using Stella Goldschlag's story as a chilling example. His vision was to present a complex protagonist who is both a victim and a perpetrator, forcing the audience to confront the moral ambiguities of survival during the Holocaust. Riedhof sought to make Stella's story feel breathtakingly modern, highlighting the universal theme of self-preservation and the question of how far a person would go to save their own life. He wanted to avoid a simplistic good versus bad portrayal, instead presenting a nuanced and historically researched account of a deeply flawed yet human character.
Themes:
Survival and Moral Compromise: The film grapples with the question of how far one would go to survive in the face of persecution, and the devastating moral compromises individuals are forced to make.
The Cost of Survival: Stella's choice to betray others to save herself and her parents highlights the immense cost of survival in extreme circumstances, both for the individual and the community.
Betrayal and Guilt: The film explores the themes of betrayal as Stella turns on her fellow Jews, and the profound guilt and psychological toll that such actions would likely take.
The Holocaust and Persecution: Set during the Nazi regime in Berlin, the film provides a stark reminder of the systematic persecution and unimaginable horrors faced by Jewish people during World War II.
Individual Agency vs. Systemic Oppression: The film raises questions about the extent to which individuals are truly free to make moral choices when facing overwhelming systemic oppression and the threat of death.
Key Success Factors:
Powerful Performance by Paula Beer: Beer's portrayal of Stella has been widely acclaimed as a "dynamite performance," capturing the complexity and internal conflict of the character.
Historically Significant and Largely Unexamined Story: The film sheds light on a controversial and often overlooked aspect of the Holocaust, the role of Jewish collaborators.
Exploration of Complex Ethical Dilemmas: The film delves into morally ambiguous territory, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about survival and betrayal.
Aesthetically Accomplished and Well-Paced: The film is noted for its strong period detail, effective pacing, and atmospheric cinematography.
International Sales Success: The film garnered significant international pre-sales, indicating strong interest in the story.
Summary Short: During Nazi Berlin, a young Jewish woman dreaming of being a jazz singer is forced to become a Gestapo informant to save herself and her family, leading to a tragic tale of survival and betrayal.
Awards and Nominations: "Stella: A Life" was nominated for several German Film Awards, including Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, Best Makeup, and Best Visual Effects and Animation.
Critics Reception: Critics have offered varied opinions on "Stella: A Life." Some have praised Paula Beer's powerful performance and the film's effective exploration of the horrors of war and the desperate will to survive. Others have found the film to have issues with storytelling, particularly in the latter two-thirds, where the protagonist's motivations might not be fully developed, leading to a less impactful portrayal of her transformation. However, the film is generally acknowledged for its aesthetic accomplishments and its tackling of a complex historical subject.
Reviews:
MUBI: Describes the film as a culpable tragedy wherein a young German Jew becomes a "grabber" to save herself and her parents.
IMDb User Review: Expresses disappointment in the film's storytelling, suggesting that Stella's motivations are lost in jump cuts and that her evolution from victim to villain is not fully realized.
Film Movement: Highlights Paula Beer's "dynamite performance" and the film's exploration of the devastating emotional and physical effects of war on victims' will to survive.
Cineuropa: Notes the ambiguity of the protagonist and the film's success in portraying a cruel and historically well-researched story.
Overall Summary of Critics Reception: "Stella: A Life" is recognized for its strong central performance by Paula Beer and its tackling of a difficult and complex historical narrative. While some critics have raised concerns about the film's storytelling and character development, it is generally seen as an aesthetically accomplished and thought-provoking exploration of survival and betrayal during the Holocaust.
Box Office: "Stella: A Life" has grossed $120,866 worldwide according to IMDb.
Production: "Stella: A Life" is a German production by Letterbox Filmproduktion, in co-production with Dor Film Produktionsgesellschaft and Real Film Berlin. It was directed by Kilian Riedhof, who also co-wrote the screenplay.
Production Companies:
Letterbox Filmproduktion (Germany)
Dor Film Produktionsgesellschaft
Real Film Berlin
Sales Companies:
Global Screen handled the international sales for the film.
Distribution Companies:
Film Movement distributed the film in North America.
Release Date: "Stella: A Life" premiered at the Zurich Film Festival on September 30, 2023. It was released in France on January 17, 2024, in Germany on January 25, 2024, in Sweden on January 28, 2024, and had a limited release in Spain on March 15, 2024. The North American premiere was at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival.
Theatrical Release: Released in multiple European countries in late 2023 and early 2024, and had a North American premiere in early 2024.
Streaming Release: The film is available for streaming on MUBI in some regions.
Why to Recommend This Movie:
For a Powerful Performance by Paula Beer: Her portrayal of Stella Goldschlag is a highlight of the film.
For an Exploration of a Complex and Controversial Historical Figure: Stella's story offers a challenging perspective on survival during the Holocaust.
If You Are Interested in Films That Tackle Difficult Ethical Questions: The film delves into morally ambiguous territory.
For Its Historical Significance: It sheds light on a less-known aspect of World War II.
Why to Watch Movie:
To Learn About the True Story of Stella Goldschlag: Her life is a shocking and complex chapter of history.
To See a Film That Provokes Thought About Moral Choices in Extreme Circumstances: The film raises important questions about human behavior under duress.
If You Appreciate Period Dramas with Strong Lead Characters: The film is set during a pivotal period in history and centered around a compelling protagonist.
What Movie Trend film is following:
Historical Dramas Focusing on World War II: There is a continuing interest in stories set during this period, exploring various perspectives and experiences.
Films Examining Morally Ambiguous Characters: Stories that delve into the complexities of human nature, rather than presenting simple heroes and villains, are increasingly common.
What Big Social Trend is following:
Continued Reflection on the Holocaust and its Lessons: The film serves as a reminder of the dangers of extremism and the importance of remembering historical atrocities.
Exploration of Survival and Human Resilience in the Face of Oppression: Stories of individuals navigating unimaginable circumstances continue to resonate with audiences.
Final Verdict: "Stella: A Life" is a compelling if sometimes flawed historical drama that sheds light on the difficult and controversial story of Stella Goldschlag. Paula Beer's powerful performance anchors the film, which grapples with complex themes of survival, betrayal, and the moral compromises made under extreme pressure during the Holocaust. While some viewers might find aspects of the narrative underdeveloped, the film serves as a potent reminder of a dark chapter in history and the ambiguous nature of human behavior in times of crisis.
Recommendations for Film Makers:
Ensure Clear Character Motivation When Portraying Morally Complex Figures: Fully exploring the reasons behind a character's actions is crucial for audience understanding and engagement.
Balance Historical Accuracy with Compelling Narrative: While staying true to historical events is important, crafting a gripping story is equally essential.
Utilize Strong Lead Performances to Carry Difficult and Emotionally Demanding Narratives: Paula Beer's performance is central to the film's impact.
Consider the Responsibility of Depicting Sensitive Historical Events: Approaching such topics with nuance and avoiding simplistic portrayals is vital.
Recommendations for Movie Industry:
Continue to Support Films That Explore Difficult and Important Historical Events: These stories contribute to our understanding of the past and its relevance to the present.
Recognize the Value of International Co-productions: Collaborations between production companies from different countries can bring diverse perspectives and resources to storytelling.
Provide Platforms for Films That Tackle Morally Ambiguous Characters and Situations: These narratives can provoke important conversations and challenge viewers' perspectives.
Support Films That Offer Nuanced Portrayals of Historical Events, Avoiding Oversimplification: Complex historical subjects require careful and thoughtful treatment.
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