Skip to content
MovieCove
The Stone Angel

The Stone Angel

Sometimes it takes your whole life to get it right.

2007116 minRMidcredits score: 45th percentile of all films
Director
Kari Skogland
Starring
Ellen Burstyn, Christine Horne, Cole Hauser, Kevin Zegers

The feisty aging Hagar Shipley has lived an unconventional life. Her rebellious heart has always ruled and her choices have put her at odds with family and friends. Faced with her own mortality, and desperate to find solace, she goes on the run. In both the past and the present, she is forced to come to terms with the pain and pleasure, the disappointments and the exhilarations of her life.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Stone Angel?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list The Stone Angel on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Stone Angel?

The Stone Angel earns 4 badges, led by Award Winner and Thought-provoking.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Stone Angel worth watching?

The Stone Angel's Midcredits score is the 45th percentile of all films, from 2.2K ratings across 5 sources. 47% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

45th percentile

Better received than 45% of films

43rd percentile among Drama44th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)42nd
Approval (how many liked it)48th

59 /100

42nd percentile of all films

39th percentile among Drama41st percentile among 2000s

Critics 57 · Audience 59

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

47% liked it

48th percentile of all films

45th percentile among Drama45th percentile among 2000s
47% rated it 7–1053% rated it 1–6

Critics 46% · Audience 58%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 8 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

63rd percentile

2.2K ratings across platforms

65th percentile among Drama55th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 11% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$32K
Domestic gross$459K
Worldwide gross$474K

51st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A faithful adaptation of Margaret Laurence's novel that portrays a complex, difficult old woman reflecting on her life through flashbacks.

Fans praised

  • Ellen Burstyn's raw, vanity-free performance as Hagar
  • Honest, unsentimental look at aging, regret and family legacy
  • Authentic emotional journey with powerful insight into a prickly character

Detractors panned

  • Fails to capture the novel's spirit, reducing it to conventional melodrama
  • Overstuffed plot feels rushed, cluttered, like highlights not a deep character study
  • Unnecessary modernization with cell phones and politically-correct touches that betray the source

What stands out

ActingDivisive82

Ellen Burstyn's commanding performance as Hagar is universally praised; Christine Horne's young Hagar also singled out

Emotional impactDivisive75

Moved many viewers to tears; detractors found the story unengaging or painful to watch

CharactersDivisive70

Hagar is a richly drawn, prickly protagonist; some supporting characters feel underdeveloped due to time constraints

EndingDivisive65

Moving conclusion that doesn't romanticize death, but some felt the emotional resolution felt forced

Plot and storyDivisive48

Structurally rushed, feels like highlights of a life rather than a coherent, deep narrative

PacingDivisive45

Cross-cutting between past and present feels abrupt and cluttered; too much story for 2 hours

Originality40

Conventional melodrama, nothing new in form; criticized for being too safe and TV-movie-like

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 19 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Stone Angel like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Food for thought: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something to think about afterwards.

It is intense and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Food for thought.

Moods
MelancholicContemplative
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.Episodic · 13% of films: Loosely connected incidents rather than one driving plot.
ToneThe film treats its subject matter with gravity and respect, portraying Hagar's journey with emotional honesty and without irony.
The rideThe film maintains a reflective, melancholic mood throughout, with the emotional weight peaking in the later revelations.
StructureThe narrative interweaves Hagar's present-day journey with flashbacks to key moments from her past, creating a nonlinear and episodic structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

The answer rests on this: Thought-provokingBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film lingers as a meditation on pride, family, and mortality, leaving the viewer with a complex mixture of sadness and understanding.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).RebirthHealing
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeHagar's journey is an internal one, confronting her past and seeking solace as she approaches death, fitting the rebirth archetype of healing.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSelf-worth
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% (this title) · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Self-worth · 7% of filmsFamily bondsMortality · 2% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores Hagar's struggle with her own pride and self-worth as she confronts her mortality and the estrangement from her family.
StanceThe film critically examines Hagar's lifelong pride and its impact on her relationships, without judging but presenting her journey toward understanding.

The world

ContemporaryRuralSmall townDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · John McCarthy
SettingPrairie Manitoba, Canada across a lifetime

Content guide

Is The Stone Angel okay for kids?

R

The Stone Angel is rated R: “Rated R for some sexuality and brief language” (MPAA). As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its sexual content at mild (33/100). It has too few votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • Canada14A
  • Germany12
Overall
needs 3 or more scored categories
not ranked
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Overall standing needs at least three scored categories; this title has 1.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Stone Angel have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Stone Angel?

Cast

Ellen Burstyn
as Hagar
Christine Horne
as Young Hagar
Cole Hauser
as Bram
Kevin Zegers
as John
Elliot Page
as Arlene
Dylan Baker
as Marvin
Wings Hauser
as Older Bram
Jordan Todosey
as Child Lottie
Landon Norris
as Young John
Sheila McCarthy
as Doris

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Stone Angel?

The closest match to The Stone Angel is The Wild Pear Tree (2018); both are stories about estranged parents and children.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Stone Angel?

1.7K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: parent and child estranged. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.