Not everyone in the industry was born to do something different in the industry than what they’re known for. Not every writer can direct, not every director can write, not every actor can write or direct. However, when they change their respective hats, it always is at least interesting to see what they’ve learned from the various people they’ve worked with. Kristin Scott Thomas’s directing and co-writing debut is certainly admirable even if North Star isn’t as great as it could be.
The movie focuses on three sisters – Georgina, Katherine and Victoria (Emily Beecham, Scarlett Johansson and Sienna Miller respectfully). They’re all returning home because their mother, Diana (Kristin Scott Thomas) is having her third marriage. While there is certainly a lot of drama between the three sisters, the relationship with Diana is the most contentious. Everything plays out in a melodramatic way that makes the sum of these parts feel like a movie of the week more than a deeply rooted drama.
There is nothing inherently wrong with that, though the combined talent pool should have been able to create something more dramatic and grounded. There were spurts of deep drama and then some comedic breaks. Unfortunately, the pacing of the movie doesn’t do any favours. The four veteran actors should have been able to evoke more emotional impact from the audience. And it should drill home the fact that even though families are messy, they are still the glue to ones true north star.
- Rated: NR
- Genre: Drama
- Release Date: 9/7/2023
- Directed by: Kristin Scott Thomas
- Starring: Emily Beecham, Freida Pinto, Joshua McGuire, Kristin Scott Thomas, Mark Stanley, Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller
- Produced by: Finola Dwyer, Steven M. Rales
- Written by: John Micklethwait, Kristin Scott Thomas
- Studio: Indian Paintbrush, Ridlington Road Productions
