Metacritic reviews

Told with the ramshackle energy of a first feature (but with a depth that hints at many more to come), Hart’s debut blossoms into a lovingly realized story of grief, getting by, and finding help in unexpected places.

Ms. Rabe’s beautifully balanced performance reminds you that people never really grow up.

Rabe’s performance here is nothing short of stunning.

Though its heart beats with the same blood as something like "Lost in Translation," in which a daunting age gap inspires lasting platonic chemistry between two drifting souls, Miss Stevens feels fresh in its take on human vulnerability.

Miss Stevens bears a maturity and genuineness that thankfully feels miles apart from the inspirational assembly line of Hollywood product.

A low-key and intelligent character study, Miss Stevens doesn’t escape from its indie-film commonplaces often enough to become really distinctive, but it has enough conscientiousness about its people that it doesn’t let the commonplaces fester into movie-sinking clichés.

The picture doesn’t fully succeed, but it showcases strong performances.

A tougher, wiser film might still have extended the characters a measure of compassion, but it might also have left the audience with a deeper curiosity about where life’s challenges could take them next.

It provides materials for discussion without directing the viewer toward a particular solution or easy answer.

That Rabe (daughter of the late Jill Clayburgh and playwright David Rabe) proves so intriguing to watch is more a testament to her acting focus and stirring, lovely presence than to the dreary role she inhabits.