Matthew Vaughn's 2007 fantasy film Stardust, featuring an early appearance by Henry Cavill, is now available to stream for free on Pluto TV. The film, an adaptation of Neil Gaiman's 1999 novel, offers a complete story with a whimsical, fairytale-like tone that explores themes of magic, community, and love.
Stardust follows Tristan, a young man from the town of Wall bordering the magical kingdom of Stormhold. To win the affection of Victoria, he ventures into Stormhold to retrieve a fallen star, only to discover the star is a woman named Yvaine. Yvaine possesses a powerful gift that attracts the attention of ancient witches who seek her heart for immortality. Tristan, initially driven by selfish motives, ultimately protects Yvaine, and the two fall in love.
The film boasts a notable cast, including Robert De Niro, Charlie Cox, Michelle Pfeiffer, Rupert Everett, and Ian McKellen. Henry Cavill, widely recognized for his roles as Geralt of Rivia and Superman, appears as Humphrey, Victoria's conceited boyfriend. This role, a departure from his more stoic characters, showcases Cavill's range in a comedic context, with Humphrey sporting a blonde wig and mustache.
Robert De Niro's performance as the pirate Captain Shakespeare is also highlighted for its joyous and seamless transition from a fearsome pirate to an arts enthusiast. While both Cavill's and De Niro's roles are relatively brief, they contribute significantly to the film's lively and humorous tone, a contrast to the often serious nature of fantasy films during that era.
Despite its departure from the darker themes of Gaiman's novel, Vaughn and screenwriter Jane Goldman's adaptation remains compelling. The chemistry between Charlie Cox as Tristan and Claire Danes as Yvaine is central to the film's romantic narrative. The film's smaller scope and character-focused story are presented as self-contained, avoiding the need for sequels that could potentially dilute its original plot and conclusion.