Most of the time when we talk about fantasy films, they’re set in the far past or a fairytale kingdom. Somehow filmmakers are more comfortable with a non-realistic plot being based way outside the modern world. They’re placed in the realm of Lord of the Rings or Disney’s Princess Universe. Perhaps this is done to make the audience more comfortable than seeing a modern take on visits from supernatural beings and magic. Director Francesco Lucente (Badland & Paradise Bungalows) keeps Starbright in an alternate world that feels current. You get a sense that this is a fantasy film with the casting of John Rhys-Davies (The Lord of the Rings) in a main and unearthly role.
Aisling (Alexandrea Dowling, Game of Thrones) is a Irish orphan approaching adulthood. She’s being raised by her grandparents (The Silence of the Lambs‘ Ted Levine and Girls‘ Becky Ann Baker) on a farm in the country. She’s bored with this life and wants action and adventure. She wishes this on a falling star which sounds usual except the star keeps falling and hits in a nearby pasture. She finds the tiny star in a pit and also meets the Archangel Raphael (John Rhys-Davies, Raiders of the Lost Ark). He puts the star in a locket and places the necklace around Aisling’s neck. The locket rests against her heart. She will be the guardian for this star. This would seem so sweet moment if she hadn’t been seen by a trio of crooks (Peter (Gbenga Akinnagbe, The Wire), Martin (Tom Carey, Brokeback Mountain), and Nick (John Westley, Shameless) that are on the run from the law. Not only did they see the star crash, but they also noticed the star turned a lead pipe into gold. They want her necklace. They chase after her and Raphael. This leads to her getting a lift from her affluent and handsome neighbor Joshua (Diego Boneta, Terminator: Dark Fate). He takes them to his family’s chateau that is also a casino. Can she protect the star while mingling with the upper crust and somewhat flirting with her new guy? Can the Archangel keep the criminals from making her a victim of chain snatching?
Starbright is a compelling fantasy story with the star, angel and chateau coming into the life of the orphan. Director Francesco Lucente and his crew give a soft glow to the screen so we see this isn’t a harsh crime flick. There are car crashes, bullets and explosions on the screen to give a sense of danger. There’s a bit of fun in the big prison escape involving a toy as a key part of the plan. The lavish chateau has quite a few secrets in the basement for Aisling and Joshua. Most importantly is John Rhys-Davies having the gravitas on screen to make you accept that he is an angelic being. He glows from within and not merely from special effects and trick lighting. You can also accept his explanation why he isn’t just pulling miracles out of his wings for her. Starbright is a captivating fantasy tale that mixes heaviness with the heavenly.
The Video is 2.35:1 anamorphic. The transfer is from the original Dolby Vision master. The Audio is DTS-HD MA 7.1, DTS-HD MA 5.1 and LPCM 2.0 Stereo. Select the mix according to your home theater speaker set up. The subtitles are English, Spanish, Italian, German, French and Portuguese.
In The Making Documentary (55:51) has cast and crew guide us through how the film came together. When they were shooting near the railroad tracks, everyone not on camera had to wear a bright vest.
Francesco Lucente’s First Short Film ‘This Old Man’ (23:04) has an artist in his basement studio working on drawings before he flashbacks.
Teaser Spot (0:18) lets us see the treasures.
Teaser (1:00) shows off what’s inside her necklace.
Trailer (1:49) has us experience the fantasy elements and the violent moments.
Deleted Scene (2:14) has the couple arriving at the pier with the ferry.
Bloopers (3:31) gives you a sense of how they did the special effects. The car scenes were done on blue and green screen. There’s a few botched lines.
John Rhys-Davies Poem (6:19) has him in full costume step out of the fog to quote a poem. These are all the takes.
Soundtrack CD features Ludek Drizhal’s score.
MVD visual & Ruby Max Entertainment presents Starbright. Directed by Francesco Lucente. Screenplay by Joseph Bitonti & Olimpia Lucente. Starring John Rhys-Davies, Diego Boneta, Alexandra Dowling, Ted Levine, Becky Ann Baker, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Tom Carey, John Westley & Christine Ebersole. Running Time: 148 minutes. Rating: Rated PG-13. Release Date: July 14, 2026.
