Stella Days (2012)
A quietly moving Irish drama about a priest, a small town, and the unlikely magic of cinema.
Stella Days - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Thaddeus O'Sullivan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 9, 2012 (Ireland), June 22, 2012 (United States)
- Production Companies: Newgrange Pictures, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland
- Production Countries: Germany, Ireland, Norway
Stella Days - Plot
A priest stationed in Tipperary, Ireland, is eager to return to Rome. Told he cannot do so until he has raised enough money for the building of a new church, he decides to open a cinema in the local town.
Stella Days - Trailer
See the official trailer and get a feel for this charming Irish drama:
One man, a small town and a big idea.
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Stella Days - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Thaddeus O'Sullivan
Main Cast
- Martin Sheen
- Joey O'Sullivan
- Trystan Gravelle
- Marcella Plunkett
- Stephen Rea
- Tom Hickey
- Derbhle Crotty
- Amy Huberman
- Garrett Lombard
- Ruth McCabe
Writers
- Antoine O. Flatharta
Producers
- Jackie Larkin
- Lesley McKimm
- Thaddeus O'Sullivan
- Maggie Pope
Stella Days - FAQs
What is Stella Days about?
Stella Days follows Fr. Daniel Barry, a Catholic priest posted in rural Tipperary, Ireland, who desperately wants to return to Rome. Told he must first raise funds for a new church, he hits on an unlikely solution: opening a cinema in town. The film explores faith, community, and the tension between duty and desire.
Does Fr. Barry's cinema challenge his faith?
Absolutely. Screening films exposes Fr. Barry to ideas and emotions that quietly unsettle his certainties. The cinema becomes a space where the outside world seeps into a tightly knit Irish community, forcing him to wrestle with questions about belief, belonging, and what it truly means to serve his flock.
Where can you stream Stella Days?
You can catch Stella Days on several platforms. It's available for free on Tubi TV, The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Plex, Plex Channel, and Fawesome. If you prefer to own or rent it, Amazon Video and Fandango At Home both have you covered.
What is the ending of Stella Days?
Without giving too much away, the ending of Stella Days is quietly bittersweet. Fr. Barry's journey through the cinema project brings him closer to his community even as his longing for Rome persists. The film closes on a note of resignation and grace, suggesting that belonging can be found in unexpected places.
Who are the main actors in Stella Days?
Martin Sheen leads the cast as Fr. Daniel Barry, with Stephen Rea playing Brendan and Trystan Gravelle as Tim Lynch. The ensemble also includes Marcella Plunkett, Tom Hickey, Derbhle Crotty, Amy Huberman, Garrett Lombard, Ruth McCabe, and Joey O'Sullivan.
Is Stella Days based on a true story?
Stella Days is inspired by real events. The story draws on the experiences of Fr. Daniel Barry, a real Irish priest who did open a cinema in Tipperary during the mid-twentieth century. Screenwriter Antoine Ó Flatharta adapted the material, grounding the film in the social and religious atmosphere of the era.
How was Stella Days received by critics?
Critical reception was warm, with reviewers praising Martin Sheen's understated performance and the film's gentle, melancholic atmosphere. Critics noted its quiet authenticity in capturing mid-century rural Ireland, though some felt the pacing was deliberate. Overall it was regarded as a thoughtful, character-driven drama with genuine emotional depth.
What are some movies similar to Stella Days?
If Stella Days resonated with you, try Calvary (2014) or Small Things Like These (2024) for more Irish faith-and-community drama. The Miracle Club (2023) and The Secret Scripture (2017) also explore Irish life with emotional depth. Breakfast on Pluto (2005) and The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) offer broader Irish cinematic context.
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