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Miss Stevens
View on Wikipedia| Miss Stevens | |
|---|---|
![]() Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Julia Hart |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Sebastian Wintero |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Rob Simonsen |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | The Orchard |
Release dates |
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Running time | 78 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $4,611[1] |
Miss Stevens is a 2016 American comedy-drama film directed by Julia Hart, in her feature directorial debut, from a screenplay by Hart and Jordan Horowitz. The film stars Lily Rabe, Timothée Chalamet, Lili Reinhart, Anthony Quintal, Oscar Nunez, and Rob Huebel. The plot follows a teacher who chaperones a small group of high school students to a weekend state drama competition.
The film had its world premiere at SXSW on March 12, 2016.[2] It began a theatrical limited release on September 16, 2016, before being released on video on demand on September 20, 2016, by The Orchard.[3]
Plot
[edit]Rachel Stevens is a 29-year-old California high school English teacher who volunteers to chaperone three of her students to a drama competition for the weekend: the organized Margot, affable Sam, and the struggling but talented Billy. On Friday, she meets with the principal to discuss details and learns Billy is on medication for a behavioral disorder. Arriving at the hotel, the group checks in and, during a mixer, Rachel meets another teacher named Walter. They hint about their attraction to each other despite his wife and later have awkward sex in his hotel room. While coming back to her room, she sees Billy sitting with his head in his hands outside his room. When she confronts him, he laughs it off and says he lost his key. Rachel returns and spends the rest of the night drinking in her bedroom and rehearsing dialogue that she uses in the classroom.
The next day, Rachel goes to a car mechanic to repair a flat tire. Billy insists on joining her while the other students rehearse their monologues. He tells her that the rehearsals are optional, and they drive to the mechanic together. Upon learning that they must wait an hour at the shop, they decide to walk a mile to a local diner. While walking back roads, they discuss the conversations from the previous night's dinner. Billy asks her if she is a lesbian, as it was hinted at during the dinner, and she replies that the conversation has turned inappropriate. They return to the hotel, and Sam explains to Billy that he missed the important rehearsals. He walks it off and joins others in the auditorium. During the first round of competition, Margot forgets her monologue from A Streetcar Named Desire and Rachel consoles her. Margot reveals that the trip was not paid for by the school but by her parents. She says that she thinks Billy is a good actor, and if he wins, then the school might put more funding back into the arts. Later, during dinner, Billy calls Rachel by her first name, upsetting her and surprising the other two students.
She leaves dinner to visit Walter, but he rejects her, and she returns to her room. Later Billy knocks on her door to apologize for dinner but, seeing she is sad, barges his way into her room and tries to cheer her up by jumping on her bed. She joins him on the bed and appears careless and relaxed for the first time. Following this, he also asks Rachel personal questions, which results in Rachel unexpectedly confiding in him that she is still struggling after her mother's death a year earlier. Billy comforts her with a hug, which Rachel reciprocates before realizing it is inappropriate. She tries to force Billy to leave, but they are joined by Sam and Margot, who come to her with boy troubles. When Rachel consoles Sam after a poor date, Billy watches dejectedly. Exasperated, Billy finally leaves and slams the door, leaving the group in stunned silence.
The next morning, Billy passionately recites his monologue from Death of a Salesman. When Rachel congratulates him, he pulls her aside and explains he was thinking of her during his monologue and that he is off his medication. Realizing that the situation is out of control, Rachel calls the principal causing Billy to run off. Unable to reach the principal, Rachel runs into Walter, who advises her to stop caring about her students so much. Rachel returns to the awards ceremony where Billy wins second place. On the way home, things remain awkward between them until Margot reminds them that Billy has yet to take the makeup test for The Great Gatsby he was supposed to complete before attending the competition. The students devise a plan to answer questions from the test Margot has in her bag and use Sam's notebook. Billy takes the test and passes.
Back at the school, having driven all three kids back, Rachel suggests that Billy talk to his parents about his medication and allow them to take care of him. Billy tells Rachel she needs someone to take care of her as well. She sits in her car for a beat, then exits, and turns to approach Billy and his family with a smile.
Cast
[edit]- Lily Rabe as Rachel Stevens
- Timothée Chalamet as William "Billy" Mitman
- Lili Reinhart as Margot Jensen
- Anthony Quintal as Sam
- Rob Huebel as Walter
- Oscar Nunez as Principal Albert Alvarez
- Grant Jordan as Trevor
- Tamir Yardenne as George
Production
[edit]In February 2013, it was announced that Elliot Page would direct the film, which would have been his first as helmer, from a screenplay by Julia Hart, with Anna Faris attached to star as a teacher.[4] In 2015, Julia Hart, who wrote the screenplay, replaced Page as director, in her directorial debut.[5]
The film was produced by Gilbert Films and Anonymous Content, with Gary Gilbert and Jordan Horowitz producing in representation of Gilbert Films and Doug Wald producing in representation of Anonymous Content. Beachside's Michael B. Clarke and Alex Turtletaub co-produced.[6] Nicole Romano and Trevor Adley were executive producers, representing Anonymous Content.[4]
In May 2015, Anthony Quintal announced via his YouTube channel that he had been cast in the film.[7] In an interview, Quintal later said that Julia Hart had approached him and said "I just know that you are perfect for this role. I have been looking for someone to play this role for so long. I came across you and your videos recently and thought, 'This is it. He is the one.'"[8] In June 2015, it was announced that Lily Rabe, Timothée Chalamet, Lili Reinhart, and Rob Huebel had all been cast as well, with Rabe replacing Faris as the lead.[5]
Filming
[edit]Production on the film began in May 2015, in Simi Valley, California, and concluded on June 22, 2015.[citation needed]
Release
[edit]The film had its world premiere at SXSW on March 12, 2016.[9][2] Shortly after, The Orchard acquired distribution rights to the film.[10] The film began a limited release in theatres on September 16, 2016, before being streamed through video on demand on September 20, 2016.[11][12]
Critical reception
[edit]Miss Stevens received positive reviews from film critics. It holds a 91% approval rating on review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, based on 23 reviews, with an average rating of 7.4/10.[13] On Metacritic, the film holds a rating of 65 out of 100, based on 9 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[14]
Stephen Holden of The New York Times classified the film as an "NYT Critic's Pick", describing it as a "modest, warmhearted directorial debut..."[15] He wrote that Rabe gave a "beautifully balanced performance".[15]
Accolades
[edit]| Year | Festival | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | SXSW Film Festival | Special Jury Award for Best Actress - Narrative Feature | Lily Rabe | Won | [16] |
| SXSW Grand Jury Award for Narrative Feature | Julia Hart | Nominated | |||
| SXSW Gamechanger Award | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ "Miss Stevens". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
- ^ a b McNary, Dave (February 2, 2016). "SXSW Unveils Lineup With James Caan, Ethan Hawke, Keegan-Michael Key Movies". Variety.
- ^ Ehrlich, David (September 15, 2016). "'Miss Stevens' Review: This Sweet Indie Dramedy Teaches The Genre A Valuable Lesson". Indiewire.com. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ a b Fleming, Mike Jr. (February 7, 2013). "Ellen Page Making Directing Debut On 'Miss Stevens'; Anna Faris To Star". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
- ^ a b Hipes, Patrick (June 24, 2015). "Lily Rabe To Star In Indie 'Miss Stevens'; Mark O'Brien Joins 'Story Of Your Life'; 'Frank The Bastard' Gets July Release". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
- ^ ""Miss Stevens" - 2016 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival". Getty Images. Retrieved 2018-06-24.
- ^ Quintal, Anthony (May 29, 2015). "I'M GOING TO BE IN A MOVIE". YouTube.com. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
- ^ Stecklow, Sam (September 28, 2015). "YASSS TEEN: EXPLORING YOUTUBE WITH LOHANTHONY". PaperMag.com. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
- ^ "Miss Stevens". SXSW.com. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
- ^ Busch, Anita (May 23, 2016). "'Miss Stevens' Acquired By The Orchard For Fall Release". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 23, 2016.
- ^ Mintchell, Frederick (August 10, 2016). "Blockbuster fatigue? Check out some of these upcoming indie films". World Tech Today. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
- ^ "Lily Rabe In This Trailer For MISS STEVENS". Rama Screen. August 24, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "Miss Stevens (2016)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ "Miss Stevens". Metacritic. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ a b Stephen Holden, "Review: In ‘Miss Stevens,’ a Chaperone Greets Temptation", New York Times, 15 September 2016
- ^ "2016 SXSW FILM FESTIVAL JURY AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED". SXSW.com. March 15, 2016. Retrieved March 18, 2016.
External links
[edit]Miss Stevens
View on GrokipediaSynopsis
Plot
Miss Stevens is a 2016 American comedy-drama film with a runtime of 85 minutes, blending humorous and poignant moments in its depiction of personal growth and mentorship.[2] The story centers on Rachel Stevens, a 29-year-old high school English teacher still grieving the recent death of her actress mother, who volunteers to chaperone three of her drama students—along with fellow teacher Walter—on a weekend road trip to a state drama competition in California.[6] The students include Billy, a troubled and talented teen dealing with behavioral issues, tension at home, and required to take medication and complete assignments to participate; Margot, an ambitious aspiring actress driven by competitive fervor and underlying insecurities; and Sam, an openly gay, confident, and chatty member of the drama club.[7][8][9] The narrative unfolds chronologically during the group's car journey, filled with lighthearted banter and initial tensions as the students rehearse their monologues and Rachel navigates her role as chaperone while suppressing her own emotional turmoil. The trip aims to help win a prize to support the school's arts programs. Upon arriving at the hotel, rehearsal sessions intensify, revealing underlying conflicts: Billy struggles with his audition preparation, haunted by his emotional instability, which he begins to open up about during vulnerable late-night conversations. Margot's relentless drive highlights her insecurities beneath her polished ambition. Meanwhile, Sam navigates his personal relationships with ease and humor. Rachel experiences her own vulnerabilities, confiding in the students about her mother's death and her lingering aspirations tied to her family's acting heritage, forging deeper mentor-student bonds in intimate hotel room talks. Rachel also shares a brief romantic encounter with Walter, complicating group dynamics.[6][7][8] The film's climax occurs at the competition's stage performances, where Billy delivers a raw, explosive monologue from Death of a Salesman that showcases his talent; Margot performs with fierce determination; and Sam brings humor and poise to his piece. In the resolution, the students reflect on their experiences and growth, while Rachel finds emotional renewal through the weekend's revelations and strengthened relationships among the group, underscoring moments of vulnerability and mutual support, culminating in a reflective drive home that blends comedic relief with emotional resonance.[6][7][9] Performances by Lily Rabe as Rachel and Timothée Chalamet as Billy vividly bring these character arcs to life.[8]Cast
The principal cast of Miss Stevens features Lily Rabe as Rachel Stevens, a dedicated high school English teacher who volunteers as chaperone for a student drama trip, portraying her as composed yet subtly vulnerable.[2] Timothée Chalamet plays Billy Mitman, the charismatic but troubled student whose rebellious exterior hides deeper emotional layers, marking one of Chalamet's early leading roles before his breakout in Call Me by Your Name (2017).[8][10] Lili Reinhart portrays Margot Jensen, the ambitious and competitive overachiever driven by a desire to excel in the performing arts, in a pre-Riverdale appearance that showcased her dramatic range.[8][11] Anthony Quintal stars as Sam, the openly gay, confident, and chatty drama club member bringing humor and earnestness to the group.[8][10] Supporting roles include Oscar Nuñez as Principal Alvarez, the school administrator overseeing the students' activities, and Rob Huebel as Walter, a fellow teacher accompanying the group to the competition.[12] The screenplay tailored these characters to the actors' strengths, emphasizing interpersonal dynamics among the chaperone and students during their journey, without delving into specific events.[8]| Actor | Role | Character Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lily Rabe | Rachel Stevens | Composed high school English teacher and chaperone |
| Timothée Chalamet | Billy Mitman | Charismatic, troubled student with hidden vulnerability |
| Lili Reinhart | Margot Jensen | Ambitious, competitive overachiever |
| Anthony Quintal | Sam | Confident, openly gay drama club member |
| Oscar Nuñez | Principal Alvarez | School administrator |
| Rob Huebel | Walter | Accompanying high school teacher |
Production
Development
The screenplay for Miss Stevens was co-written by Julia Hart and Jordan Horowitz, drawing inspiration from Hart's personal experiences as a high school English teacher and her observations of complex student-teacher dynamics.[13][14] Hart, who had transitioned from teaching to screenwriting, aimed to capture the emotional nuances of mentorship and vulnerability in educational settings, influenced by films like Dead Poets Society. The initial script was developed in the mid-2010s, with Hart replacing an earlier director in 2015 to helm the project herself.[15] Miss Stevens marked Julia Hart's feature directorial debut, following her work on short films and music videos that honed her intimate, character-focused style. Co-writer Jordan Horowitz also served as a producer, bringing his experience from projects like La La Land to support Hart's vision for a performance-driven narrative. Hart's background emphasized subtle emotional layers over dramatic spectacle, shaping the film's approach to interpersonal relationships.[16][7] The project involved production companies Beachside Films, Gilbert Films, and Original Headquarters, with key producers including Michael B. Clark, Gary Gilbert, Jordan Horowitz, and Alex Turtletaub. These collaborators focused on a lean operation suitable for an independent production, enabling flexibility in creative decisions.[17][4][3] In pre-production, the film was positioned as a low-budget indie, designed to prioritize authentic character interactions without expansive sets or effects. Script revisions refined the emotional core, ensuring surprises emerged organically from character secrets rather than contrived plot twists, while initial casting targeted emerging actors to enhance the raw, relatable tone.[18][10] Conceptually, the screenplay adopted a road trip framework to delve into themes of grief and personal ambition, blending comedic and dramatic elements for a balanced exploration of growth and connection. This structure allowed for confined, dialogue-heavy scenes that highlighted the evolving bonds among the characters, aligning with Hart's goal of subverting expectations in teacher-student stories.[19][9]Filming
Principal photography for Miss Stevens commenced on May 22, 2015, and wrapped on June 16, 2015, spanning approximately 25 days with a compact crew to embody the film's independent ethos.[20][21] Filming primarily occurred in Simi Valley, California, capturing the school environments and road trip sequences, while additional scenes were shot in Santa Monica.[22][23] The drama competition portions utilized a local hotel as a central location, selected during scouting for its evocative, character-like presence that enhanced themes of isolation.[24] Cinematographer Sebastian Winterø employed natural lighting and intimate framing to underscore emotional depth, avoiding extensive visual effects in favor of practical setups for the road trip and performance scenes.[3] Road trip sequences, filmed inside a blue Volvo station wagon over 1.5 days, presented logistical hurdles due to the summer heat, as air conditioning was omitted for audio clarity, with the crew using portable fans to manage discomfort.[24] On set, director Julia Hart cultivated a collaborative atmosphere, with the young cast—including Timothée Chalamet and Anthony Quintal—residing at the hotel and sharing rooms to foster authentic interactions among the teen characters.[24] This immersive approach mirrored the script's focus on interpersonal dynamics, allowing for organic rapport without scripted improvisation dominating the process. Following the wrap, initial editing commenced promptly under Amy McGrath and Lee Haugen, prioritizing sound design to highlight ambient road sounds and theatrical echoes for atmospheric realism.[3]Release
Premiere
Miss Stevens had its world premiere on March 12, 2016, at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival in Austin, Texas, as part of the Narrative Feature Competition.[7][25] The screening took place at the Vimeo Theater, marking director Julia Hart's feature debut and drawing attention for its intimate exploration of teacher-student dynamics.[26] The premiere event saw attendance from key cast members, including Lily Rabe as the titular Miss Stevens and Timothée Chalamet in an early leading role as student Billy, alongside director Hart.[27] A post-screening Q&A featured Hart and Rabe discussing the film's inspirations, rooted in Hart's personal experiences chaperoning high school drama students, which emphasized themes of emotional vulnerability and mentorship.[13][28] Initial audience reactions at SXSW highlighted the film's emotional resonance, with viewers noting its heartfelt performances and nuanced handling of complex relationships, contributing to early buzz among indie film enthusiasts.[29][30] The festival exposure positioned Miss Stevens as a standout in the competition, leading to its acquisition by distributor The Orchard for North American rights shortly thereafter.[4]Distribution
Following its premiere at South by Southwest, Miss Stevens secured a distribution deal with The Orchard, leading to a limited theatrical debut in the United States on September 16, 2016, in select cities including New York and Los Angeles.[4][9] The film expanded to video on demand platforms four days later, on September 20, 2016, broadening access beyond theaters.[17] A physical home media release followed with the DVD edition on May 29, 2018, distributed by 1091 Pictures.[31] In the years since, Miss Stevens has appeared on major streaming services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, though availability has varied by region and over time. As of November 2025, the film is available for free streaming on platforms such as Tubi and FilmRise.[32][33][34] Internationally, distribution remained limited, with no major wide releases outside North America until a theatrical rollout in South Korea on May 2, 2019.[17] At the box office, the film earned a modest $4,611 domestically across a maximum of two theaters, underscoring its micro-budget independent nature and appeal to niche audiences.[17] Overseas earnings totaled $133,924, driven largely by the South Korean market, resulting in a worldwide gross of $138,535.[17] Marketing centered on official trailers that spotlighted the ensemble cast—particularly emerging star Timothée Chalamet—while emphasizing the film's SXSW accolades and its exploration of youth, mentorship, and emotional growth, with campaigns aimed at drama film enthusiasts through online platforms.[35][36]Reception
Critical reception
Miss Stevens received positive critical reception upon its release, earning a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 23 reviews, with an average score of 7.4/10.[2] On Metacritic, the film holds a score of 65 out of 100 from 11 critics, indicating generally favorable reviews.[37] Critics praised Julia Hart's assured directorial debut for its intimate character studies and skillful blend of humor and pathos, creating an emotionally authentic portrayal of teacher-student dynamics during a road trip to a drama competition. Lily Rabe's nuanced performance as the grieving teacher Miss Stevens was frequently highlighted as a standout, with reviewers noting her ability to convey vulnerability and maturity. Timothée Chalamet's raw intensity as the troubled student Billy also drew acclaim, contributing to the film's exploration of loss and personal growth. The New York Times designated it an "NYT Critic’s Pick," describing the film as a "tender, unshowy exploration of loss" in Stephen Holden's review.[6] Variety's Justin Chang commended the "electric chemistry" between Rabe and Chalamet, emphasizing Hart's layered direction in capturing complicated friendships. Some reviewers pointed to the film's small scale as limiting its broader appeal, with predictable indie drama tropes occasionally undermining its freshness. Criticisms also included underdeveloped supporting characters, such as Margot and Sam, which prevented deeper ensemble dynamics. The Los Angeles Times noted that the script lacked sufficient depth for Miss Stevens to fully power the slight story.[38] Roger Ebert described it as a "low-key and intelligent character study" but observed it did not escape indie-film commonplaces often enough to become truly distinctive.[8] Common themes across 2016-2017 reviews included appreciation for the authentic depiction of teenage experiences and emotional honesty, with the road trip setting enhancing character interactions. In the 2020s, reevaluations have spotlighted the film amid the rising fame of its cast, particularly Chalamet, reinforcing its status as an underseen gem of indie cinema.[10]Accolades
At the 2016 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, Miss Stevens received significant recognition, underscoring its impact on the independent cinema circuit. Lily Rabe won the Special Jury Recognition for Best Actress in a Narrative Feature for her portrayal of the titular teacher grappling with personal and professional crossroads.[39][40] This award highlighted Rabe's ability to convey complex emotional vulnerability, a hallmark of the jury's focus on standout performances in emerging indie works.[41] The film itself, marking Julia Hart's directorial debut, earned a nomination for the Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature.[42] Hart also received a nomination for the SXSW Gamechanger Award, which honors innovative female directors and aims to spotlight women filmmakers in the industry.[42][43] These nods emphasized Hart's breakout as a promising voice in indie cinema, particularly for narratives centered on nuanced female experiences.[44] Beyond SXSW, Miss Stevens did not secure nominations at major awards bodies such as the Academy Awards or Golden Globes, consistent with its limited theatrical release and focus on festival acclaim rather than wide commercial success.[45] No additional festival honors from 2016-2017 or retrospective recognitions through 2025 have been reported.[42]| Award | Recipient | Category | Result | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SXSW Film Festival | Lily Rabe | Special Jury Recognition for Best Actress - Narrative Feature | Won | 2016 |
| SXSW Film Festival | Julia Hart | Grand Jury Award - Narrative Feature | Nominated | 2016 |
| SXSW Film Festival | Julia Hart | Gamechanger Award | Nominated | 2016 |

