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Miss Stevens
Miss Stevens
from Wikipedia
Miss Stevens
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJulia Hart
Written by
Produced by
  • Michael B. Clark
  • Gary Gilbert
  • Jordan Horowitz
  • Alex Turtletaub
Starring
CinematographySebastian Wintero
Edited by
  • Lee Haugen
  • Amy McGrath
Music byRob Simonsen
Production
companies
  • Beachside Films
  • Gilbert Films
  • Original Headquarters
Distributed byThe Orchard
Release dates
  • March 12, 2016 (2016-03-12) (SXSW)
  • September 16, 2016 (2016-09-16) (United States)
Running time
78 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
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]

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]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Miss Stevens is a American comedy- film written and directed by Julia Hart in her feature directorial debut, from a screenplay co-written by Hart and . The story centers on a heartbroken high school English teacher named , who serves as chaperone for three drama students—Billy, Margot, and Sam—during a weekend trip to a state competition, where she navigates personal vulnerabilities and forms an unexpected bond with the troubled teen Billy. The film explores themes of coming-of-age, mentorship, and emotional responsibility, blending humor with poignant over its 85-minute runtime. Starring in the title role, the film also features as Billy, as Margot, and Anthony Quintal as Sam, with supporting performances by and Oscar Nuñez. Produced by Michael B. Clark, , , and Alex Turtletaub, it premiered at the Film Festival in March 2016, where Rabe received the Special Jury Recognition for Best Actress and Hart earned a nomination for the Grand Jury Award in the Narrative Feature category. The film was released in limited theaters on September 16, 2016, by distributor The Orchard, and later became available for streaming. Miss Stevens received strong critical acclaim, holding a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 23 reviews, with praise for its sensitive portrayal of teacher-student dynamics and Rabe's nuanced performance, though it garnered a more mixed 69% audience score from over 500 ratings. Commercially, it had a modest box office performance, grossing $4,611 in the United States and Canada. The film's intimate scale and focus on character-driven storytelling have positioned it as a notable indie entry in the teacher drama genre.

Synopsis

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. 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. 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. 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 , 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 heritage, forging deeper mentor-student bonds in intimate hotel room talks. Rachel also shares a brief romantic encounter with Walter, complicating . 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. Performances by as Rachel and as Billy vividly bring these character arcs to life.

Cast

The principal cast of Miss Stevens features as , a dedicated high who volunteers as chaperone for a trip, portraying her as composed yet subtly vulnerable. plays Billy Mitman, the charismatic but troubled 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). portrays Margot Jensen, the ambitious and competitive overachiever driven by a desire to excel in the , in a pre-Riverdale appearance that showcased her dramatic range. Anthony Quintal stars as Sam, the openly gay, confident, and chatty club member bringing humor and earnestness to the group. Supporting roles include Oscar Nuñez as Principal Alvarez, the school administrator overseeing the students' activities, and as Walter, a fellow teacher accompanying the group to the competition. 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.
ActorRoleCharacter Description
Rachel StevensComposed high school English teacher and chaperone
Billy MitmanCharismatic, troubled student with hidden vulnerability
Margot JensenAmbitious, competitive overachiever
Anthony QuintalSamConfident, openly gay drama club member
Oscar NuñezPrincipal AlvarezSchool administrator
WalterAccompanying 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. 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. 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 also served as a producer, bringing his experience from projects like to support Hart's vision for a performance-driven . Hart's background emphasized subtle emotional layers over dramatic spectacle, shaping the film's approach to interpersonal relationships. The project involved production companies Beachside Films, Gilbert Films, and Original Headquarters, with key producers including Michael B. Clark, , , and Alex Turtletaub. These collaborators focused on a lean operation suitable for an independent production, enabling flexibility in creative decisions. In , 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 targeted emerging actors to enhance the raw, relatable tone. Conceptually, the screenplay adopted a framework to delve into themes of 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.

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. Filming primarily occurred in , capturing the school environments and sequences, while additional scenes were shot in Santa Monica. 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. Cinematographer Sebastian Winterø employed natural lighting and intimate framing to underscore emotional depth, avoiding extensive in favor of practical setups for the road trip and performance scenes. sequences, filmed inside a blue over 1.5 days, presented logistical hurdles due to the summer heat, as was omitted for audio clarity, with the crew using portable fans to manage discomfort. 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. 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 and Lee Haugen, prioritizing to highlight ambient road sounds and theatrical echoes for atmospheric realism.

Release

Premiere

Miss Stevens had its world premiere on March 12, 2016, at the (SXSW) Film Festival in , as part of the Narrative Feature Competition. 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. The premiere event saw attendance from key cast members, including as the titular Miss Stevens and in an early leading role as student Billy, alongside director Hart. 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. 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. 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.

Distribution

Following its premiere at , 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 . The film expanded to platforms four days later, on September 20, 2016, broadening access beyond theaters. A physical home media release followed with the DVD edition on May 29, 2018, distributed by . In the years since, Miss Stevens has appeared on major streaming services, including and , though availability has varied by region and over time. As of November 2025, the film is available for free streaming on platforms such as and . Internationally, distribution remained limited, with no major wide releases outside until a theatrical rollout in on May 2, 2019. At the , 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. Overseas earnings totaled $133,924, driven largely by the South Korean market, resulting in a worldwide gross of $138,535. Marketing centered on official trailers that spotlighted the ensemble cast—particularly emerging star —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.

Reception

Critical reception

Miss Stevens received positive critical reception upon its release, earning a 91% approval rating on based on 23 reviews, with an average score of 7.4/10. On Metacritic, the film holds a score of 65 out of 100 from 11 critics, indicating generally favorable reviews. 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 -student dynamics during a to a drama competition. Lily Rabe's nuanced performance as the grieving 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. designated it an "NYT ’s Pick," describing the film as a "tender, unshowy exploration of loss" in Stephen Holden's review. Variety's 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 tropes occasionally undermining its freshness. Criticisms also included underdeveloped supporting characters, such as and Sam, which prevented deeper ensemble dynamics. The noted that the script lacked sufficient depth for Miss Stevens to fully power the slight story. 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. 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 , reevaluations have spotlighted the film amid the rising fame of its cast, particularly Chalamet, reinforcing its status as an underseen gem of indie cinema.

Accolades

At the 2016 (SXSW) Film Festival, Miss Stevens received significant recognition, underscoring its impact on the independent cinema circuit. 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. 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. The film itself, marking Julia Hart's directorial debut, earned a nomination for the Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature. Hart also received a nomination for the SXSW Gamechanger Award, which honors innovative female directors and aims to spotlight women filmmakers in the industry. These nods emphasized Hart's breakout as a promising voice in indie cinema, particularly for narratives centered on nuanced female experiences. Beyond SXSW, Miss Stevens did not secure nominations at major awards bodies such as the or Golden Globes, consistent with its and focus on acclaim rather than wide commercial success. No additional honors from 2016-2017 or recognitions through 2025 have been reported.
AwardRecipientCategoryResultYear
SXSW Film FestivalSpecial Jury Recognition for Best Actress - Narrative FeatureWon2016
SXSW Film FestivalJulia HartGrand Jury Award - Narrative FeatureNominated2016
SXSW Film FestivalJulia HartGamechanger AwardNominated2016

Legacy

Miss Stevens served as an early showcase for several emerging actors, notably in the role of Billy, a troubled student, which highlighted his nuanced emotional range and contributed to his toward in like Dune (2021) and Wonka (2023). Director Julia Hart noted Chalamet's immediate chemistry with co-star during auditions, emphasizing how the role underscored his potential for complex, introspective characters. Similarly, Lili Reinhart's portrayal of marked one of her final pre-Riverdale (2017–2023) film roles, providing a pivotal indie credit that preceded her mainstream breakthrough as . For Rabe, the lead as the titular teacher delivered a revelatory performance, solidifying her reputation for dramatic depth following stage and television work, with critics praising her ability to convey internal vulnerability. The film's intimate style, rooted in its micro-budget production, influenced Julia Hart's subsequent projects, establishing a foundation for her progression to larger-scale works like Fast Color (2018) and I'm Your Woman (2020), where she continued exploring personal growth amid relational tensions. Hart's debut demonstrated how constrained resources could yield authentic character studies, inspiring similar low-budget youth dramas focused on emotional intimacy over spectacle. Culturally, Miss Stevens has gained retrospective attention in the 2020s, often cited in discussions of Chalamet's pre-fame roles and appearing in lists of underrated indie films for its sensitive handling of teacher-student boundaries. The movie's themes of grief and mentorship remain relevant in post-pandemic cinema, resonating through its availability for digital rental and purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and iTunes, which has facilitated renewed viewings without formal anniversary events as of 2025. While it has not spawned major adaptations, elements of its subdued relational dynamics echo in Hart's later films, such as the evolving partnerships in I'm Your Woman.

References

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