Claire Denis's Stars at Noon: A Romantic Thriller Amidst Global Turmoil
In Claire Denis's 2022 film Stars at Noon, the legendary French auteur crafts a narrative that intertwines doomed romance with shadowy intrigue, set against the volatile backdrop of a pandemic-ridden Nicaragua. Starring Margaret Qualley and Joe Alwyn as lovers on the run, this quasi-thriller intentionally puzzles audiences while delivering a deeply pleasurable cinematic experience.
A Legacy of Colonial Exploration
Denis, renowned for her career-long fascination with the ripples of colonial oppression, has often placed alluring stars in tumultuous environments. From the Djiboutian desert to civil war estates, her films delve into the psychic effects on native communities. Stars at Noon, based on Denis Johnson's 1986 novel, initially seemed a return to this thematic core, but its world premiere at Cannes left critics in a confused silence, hinting at its unconventional approach.
Plot and Setting: A World of Secrets
The story introduces Trish, played by Margaret Qualley, a disillusioned American journalist stranded in Nicaragua during Covid-19, resorting to desperate measures to survive. As her coverage of extrajudicial killings strains relations with the government, she encounters Daniel, portrayed by Joe Alwyn, a mysterious British petrochemical consultant. Their romance ignites, with Trish hoping he offers an escape route from the country.
Denis adapted the film from its original Sandinista-era setting, incorporating pandemic-related delays into the narrative. The masked strangers and shadowy mood of the city amplify the sense of a place where everyone hides secrets, creating an elliptical atmosphere characteristic of Denis's work.
Character Dynamics and Performances
Qualley, with her background in ballet, brings a careless and forlorn physicality to Trish, gliding through scenes with an ethereal presence. Alwyn, who took the role after other actors declined due to scheduling, portrays Daniel with a pathetic imitation of confidence that adds depth to his mysterious persona. Their chemistry drives the film, with impulsively horny decisions wreaking havoc as they navigate their fleeting time together.
Criticism and Thematic Depth
The casting of Qualley and Alwyn, both with pale skin, sparked debate at Cannes, with critics questioning if the film foregrounds white hardship against a global south backdrop. As the plot unfolds, it's revealed that Daniel's presence in Nicaragua involves nefarious business, hinted by a character known as "CIA Man," played by Benny Safdie. This underscores the duo's role as hostile foreign interlopers, with Trish's outbursts highlighting the tension between American influence and local resistance.
Climax and Romantic Doom
The film builds to a stunning climax set in a near-empty nightclub, bathed in a fuchsia glow. Scored to a dreamy jazz piece by Tindersticks, the camera captures a hypnotic dance sequence where the lovers tangle as if facing their last day on Earth. This moment encapsulates the romantic essence of impending doom, leaving viewers to ponder how the end of the world can feel so enchanting.
Stars at Noon is available for streaming on Prime Video and SBS on Demand in Australia, and for rent in the UK and US, offering a thought-provoking blend of romance and thriller elements in Denis's signature style.
