Stella
Performance & Direction: Stella Review
Last updated: February 25, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Stella (1990) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Romance.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Romance is often anchored by its ensemble, and Stella features a noteworthy lineup led by Bette Midler . Supported by the likes of John Goodman and Trini Alvarado , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Stella
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1990, Stella is a Romance, Drama film directed by John Erman. The narrative explores the complexities of love and relationships with emotional depth and authenticity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Bette Midler.
Ending Explained: Stella
Ending Breakdown: Directed by John Erman, Stella attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to romance resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Bette Midler, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the romance themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Stella reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Stella?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Romance films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Stella
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $20.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Top Cast: Stella
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Stella Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
WatchaStella Parents Guide & Age Rating
1990 AdvisoryWondering about Stella age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Stella is 109 minutes (1h 49m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.7/10, and global performance metrics, Stella is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1990 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stella worth watching?
Stella is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Romance movies. It has a verified rating of 5.7/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Stella parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Stella identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Stella?
The total duration of Stella is 109 minutes, which is approximately 1h 49m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Stella
How Stella Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Stella
"Stella" sometimes resembles a television movie of the week, especially in relation to the deliberately manipulative melodrama we are subjected to and this could have been more damaging than it actually is. That is because the film manages to part ways with all things conventional and what begins to unfold is an absolutely fascinating and compelling study of the constantly evolving and shifting relationship dynamics of a disparate set of characters each with their own personal problems to overcome. It is regrettable in a way that more depth hasn't been given to the character Ed Munn and the plight he is so obviously facing. After all, we are given an insight into the lives of Stephen and Janice, so it is unfortunate this isn't reciprocated with Ed and Stella just to balance this element of the film out a little more.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
