Based on a 1986 novel by Denis Johnson (“Jesus’ Son”), Claire Denis’ 1980s Nicaragua-set “Stars at Noon,” featuring Margaret Qualley (TV’s “Maid”) and Joe Alwyn (“Mary Queen of Scots”), is the story of a love-during-wartime relationship between an American journalist/drifter named Trish Johnson and an English oil company worker/spy named Daniel DeHaven, who meet and embark upon an affair in Nicaragua. It’s all very Graham Greene (“The Quiet American,” “The Third Man”). In the midst of the war between the Reagan-supported, right-wing Contras and the socialist Sandinistas, Trish lives in a squalid hotel and is having a squalid affair with a local soldier (Nick Romano). A heavy drinker with a lot of cash, Trish, who speaks Spanish, meets Daniel at his more posh hotel, being watched by Costa Rican police. Their affair begins shortly thereafter. No one is quite what they seem to be.
Trish has had her passport taken from her and has no assignment. When she manages to get in touch with her supposed editor (John C. Reilly in a one-scene part played on Zoom), he tells her never to call him again. Joe claims to work for the oil company. But he also has a gun, which he does little to keep hidden away. Trish is a world-hopping wild child, and Qualley is impressive, even if the character is not very well conceived. “Stars at Noon” uses Nicaragua as its setting, but it couldn’t care less about the people or the country’s politics. They are just the metaphoric window-dressing for this story of love in complicated and dangerous places. We know very little about Trish, who is desperate to turn her cash into U.S. dollars, but cannot do so without a U.S. passport. We know even less about Daniel. They are like the James Bond and Vesper Lynd of mediocre, Raymond Carver-esque American fiction.
Qualley spends much time naked and having sex in “Stars at Noon.”
The screenplay by Denis, Andrew Litvak (Denis’ “High Life”) and Lea Mysius (“Ava”) languishes. We see too many shots of Trish to-ing and fro-ing. At two hours and 15 minutes, the film is easily half an hour too long. Supporting characters barely provide any support. This includes a minister of some sort played by Stephan Proano, a Costa Rican cop (Danny Ramirez) and a jaded American CIA agent played by Benny Safdie. There is some running commentary about food shortages (“No Coca-Cola”). Robert Pattinson of Denis’ “High Life” was originally cast as Daniel, but had to drop out due to COVID and his commitment to “The Batman.” Jazz score by the English alt-rock band Tindersticks is a plus.
(“Stars at Noon” contains profanity, nudity and sexually suggestive images)
MOVIE REVIEW
“STARS AT NOON”
Rated R. At the Landmark Kendall Square
Grade: B-
