You know that weird kid you had in your class at school that deliberately wouldn’t talk to anyone, daydream classes away and not care for anything? There’s always one, and in Stella we see the life behind such a character, where not all is as it should be. This film has enjoyed success on the international circuit, and with good reason as it gives us a look into the psyche of an 11 year old girl who doesn’t know what she wants from life – and doesn’t really seem to care.

Sylvie Verheyde’s story centres on Stella, a Parisian girl accepted into a wealthy school who is the opposite of its archetype – rich kids with a sheltered life. Her parents own a cafe/bar where dancing and drunkenness goes well into the night and the regulars are her ‘pals’. Particularly notable are Alain Bernard (Guilliaume Depardieu), a welfare bum, and Jeannick Gravelines’ Bubu, whose interest in Stella is different to that of her parents. We learn of her dislike for school; how it’s pointless, how the people aren’t that great and that she has friends already. It’s typical tween thinking, but Stella goes deeper than that and shows us why.

Set in 1977, the era certainly changes perspective. In a much freer time, Stella knows about the birds and the bees, and living in essentially an open house leaves her to her own devices. The film has a distinctive feel that never lets up, with close camera shots constant in portraying reflective thoughts from the characters. You can’t escape the almost claustrophobic feeling with the cluttered space of the cafe, but can feel Stella’s freedom when she cycles down a deserted road in a wide shot. As she learns to forget her ignorance, with help from friend Gladys (Melissa Rodriguez, who is very cute), we see Stella grow and become a stronger character on the way to adulthood. Verheyde has mixed it up well, with great costumes and a brilliant soundtrack that really strengthens the film by giving poignance to important scenes.

You can’t help but think they’re a weird bunch. How they interact, that they live day by day with not a lot on the horizon. Depardieu as Alain is fascinating and touching in limited screen time (perhaps one of the film’s faults, supporting characters’ development), while Benjamin Biolay is Cesar-nominated for portraying Stella’s father Serge, an unhappy soul who knows it. Leora Barbara as Stella is wonderful – the narration certainly helps to understand her character, but her screen presence is almost Lolita-esque; intriguing and innocent with the knowledge and developing maturity of an adult.

Verdict:

Stella defies many adolescent films with a grittier take on life and love. With a resilient titular character, the story of growing up looks hard – we’ve all been there, but this is an emotionally-charged journey.

*Verheyde was scheduled to talk about Stella but was unable to attend due to the Cesar Awards. Stella is yet to gain Australian distribution so the BAFF is currently the only place you can catch it.*

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Stella screens apart of the 2009 Bigpond Adelaide Film Festival.

Tickets can still be purchased for two more screenings on the 27th (6:30pm) and 28th of Feb (8:30pm). See here for details.

For more reviews and features from the Bigpond Adelaide Film Festival, visit the page devoted to our coverage  here.

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