The Starling

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 24, 2021

Genre
Comedy, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Melissa McCarthy as Lilly Maynard
• Chris O’Dowd as Jack Maynard
• Kevin Kline as Dr. Larry Fine
• Timothy Olyphant as Travis Delp
• Skyler Gisondo as Dickie
• Daveed Diggs as Ben
• Loretta Devine as Velma

Director
Theodore Melfi

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Hidden Figures (2016)
• St. Vincent (2014)

Producer
Dylan Sellers, Theodore Melfi, Kimberly Quinn

Writer
Matt Harris

Budget
Estimated $20 million

Production Company
Boies/Schiller Film Group, Limelight, Netflix

Running Time
103 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13 (for thematic material, some strong language, and suggestive content)

Content Advisory

• Themes of grief and loss
• Mild language
• Emotional content

Movie Story
“The Starling” is a heartfelt drama that centers around Lilly Maynard (Melissa McCarthy) and her husband Jack (Chris O’Dowd) as they grapple with the devastating loss of their infant daughter. Jack, unable to cope with his grief, checks into a mental health facility, leaving Lilly to navigate her own sorrow while managing their home and garden alone.

As Lilly struggles to keep herself together, she begins to be tormented by an aggressive starling that has taken up residence in her backyard. The bird, symbolic of Lilly’s unresolved emotions, becomes a constant and pesky presence, challenging her as she tries to move forward with her life.

Seeking help, Lilly turns to Dr. Larry Fine (Kevin Kline), a former psychiatrist turned veterinarian, who is dealing with his own issues of loss and regret. Through their unlikely friendship, Lilly begins to confront her grief, her strained marriage, and the healing process. The film delicately balances humor and emotion, as Lilly’s interactions with the starling mirror her internal struggles and journey toward acceptance.

“The Starling” explores themes of grief, resilience, and the power of love in the face of overwhelming loss. The narrative is both poignant and uplifting, highlighting the importance of support, understanding, and the small steps one takes to rebuild after a tragedy.

Special Effects
The special effects in “The Starling” are primarily used to bring the titular bird to life. The starling, a mix of practical and CGI effects, plays a significant role in the film, symbolizing Lilly’s emotional battle. The visual effects are subtle but effective, adding a layer of whimsy and metaphorical depth to the story.

Box Office Performance
“The Starling” was released on Netflix, where it quickly gained attention due to its cast and the emotional resonance of its story. As a streaming release, it did not have a traditional box office performance, but it received a wide viewership on the platform.

Filming Locations

• New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “We all have scars. It’s about learning to live with them.” – Dr. Larry Fine
• “You can’t just hide away forever. Life keeps going, even if we don’t want it to.” – Lilly Maynard

Behind-the-Scenes
“The Starling” was directed by Theodore Melfi, known for his work on emotionally driven films like Hidden Figures and St. Vincent. Melissa McCarthy’s performance as Lilly blends her comedic talents with dramatic depth, showing her versatility as an actress. Kevin Kline’s role as the grumpy yet compassionate Dr. Larry Fine provides a balance of humor and wisdom, essential to the film’s narrative.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“The Starling” is a touching and well-crafted drama that effectively explores the complexities of grief and healing. Melissa McCarthy delivers a strong performance that is both heartfelt and nuanced, supported by a talented cast including Chris O’Dowd and Kevin Kline. The film’s blend of humor and emotion, along with its metaphorical use of the starling, makes it a unique and moving experience. While it may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action or intense drama, “The Starling” offers a gentle, reflective story about love, loss, and the slow journey toward healing.

IMDb Rating
6.3/10