'Stars at Noon' review

Margaret Qualley is a mystery in this day-time noir.

Director Claire Denis' 'Stars at Noon' is as difficult to pin down as Megan Qualley's nude character. There's something much deeper than skin here.

What genre is this film? Why is Qualley in Nicaragua? Why is she such a mess? Why is her mess so damn appealing?

Is she and dysfunctional Nicaragua a synonym for those moments when I feel emotionally lost, a struggle to survive even when there's no great reason to?

But my appreciation isn't confused. It, solidly, just is. It stayed in my head for weeks, cinematic snapshots versus a holistic emotion I also cannot describe.

Qualley is undoubtedly gifted, best shown when her confident character shows flashes of desperation.

'Stars at Noon' is the daylight version of neo-noir.

‘Sanctuary’, Qualley’s follow-up, is more direct, equally brilliant; a sexual, dialogue thriller.