The Starling Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman fights a bird to cope with grief, and it’s only slightly less weird than it sounds.

🍿 The Starling: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Loss and Its Aftermath

Lilly and Jack Maynard are a married couple grappling with the devastating loss of their infant daughter. Jack is consumed by grief and checks himself into a mental health facility, leaving Lilly to cope alone in the outside world. She struggles to maintain a sense of normalcy while battling her own guilt and sorrow.

The Starling’s Harassment

Adding to Lilly’s distress, a territorial starling aggressively nests in her backyard, relentlessly attacking her. This seemingly minor conflict becomes a symbolic representation of Lilly’s internal struggles and her inability to find peace. Her attempts to get rid of the bird become increasingly comical and obsessive.

Finding Guidance

Desperate for help, Lilly seeks guidance from Larry Fine, a former psychologist who now works as a veterinarian. Larry, who has his own troubled past, offers Lilly unconventional therapy, encouraging her to confront her grief and find a way to move forward. Their unlikely friendship becomes a source of support and healing for both of them.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lilly Maynard (Melissa McCarthy): A grieving mother who copes with her loss by obsessively battling a starling while her husband is in a mental health facility.
• Jack Maynard (Chris O’Dowd): Lilly’s husband who is struggling with severe depression and grief, leading him to seek treatment at a mental health facility.
• Dr. Larry Fine (Kevin Kline): A veterinarian and former psychologist who offers unconventional therapy and guidance to Lilly as she deals with her grief.
• Travis Delp (Timothy Olyphant): A manager at Wally’s department store.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lilly Maynard: “Somethings are just out of our control , The sooner you figure out what they are , the faster you can let them go .” – Lilly reflects on acceptance and moving forward in the face of uncontrollable events.
• Dr. Larry Fine: “I’m not a therapist anymore. I’m a veterinarian.” – Dr. Fine explains his career change, hinting at his own troubled past and burnout from psychology.
• Jack Maynard: “I miss her every second.” – Jack expresses his raw grief and the constant pain of losing his daughter.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Starling Reviews

Personal Review

I went into The Starling expecting a quirky comedy, and while there are light moments, it’s really a touching drama about loss and healing. Melissa McCarthy delivers a raw performance, especially during the garden scenes, you can feel her character’s pain. I also loved the scenes with Kevin Kline, who offers such comforting advice. Overall, a moving film that might surprise you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Melissa McCarthy in dramatic roles”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about grief and healing”
  • “Those who enjoy character-driven dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of grief and depression”
  • “Discussion of suicide attempt”
  • “Loss of a child”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “The Starling delivers heartfelt performances from McCarthy and O’Dowd, exploring grief with sensitivity. Kline adds charm, however the quirky plot and CGI bird might not resonate with all viewers.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Critics consensus suggests that The Starling struggles to balance its heavy themes with quirky humor, resulting in a tonally uneven experience. While performances are praised, the overall execution falls short.

Audience Reactions

Viewers appreciated the genuine portrayal of grief and the characters’ emotional journeys.: Many praised the acting, particularly Melissa McCarthy’s dramatic performance and Chris O’Dowd’s portrayal of vulnerability.

Some viewers found the quirky elements, like the starling, distracting, while others saw it as a symbolic representation of Lilly’s inner turmoil.: Several viewers found that the narrative was a great and unique representation of loss and bereavement and offered an uplifting and hopeful outcome.

Overall Consensus: The Starling is a divisive film that some find deeply moving and relatable, while others view it as tonally inconsistent and emotionally manipulative. The performances are generally praised, but the quirky plot elements may not appeal to all audiences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The screenplay for ‘The Starling’ was featured on the very first Black List in 2005, a compilation of the most-liked unproduced screenplays in Hollywood.”
• “Director Theodore Melfi is known for directing ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘St. Vincent’, both of which also blend dramatic elements with moments of levity.”
• “Melissa McCarthy takes on a more dramatic role here, showcasing a different side of her acting abilities, compared to her more well-known comedic performances.”
• “The Lumineers contributed to the soundtrack with ‘Isabelle Fly,’ adding an emotional layer to key scenes.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Starling?

The Starling is available for streaming on Netflix. Check local listings for cable or satellite on-demand options. Digital purchase options may be available on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Starling, you might like these similar films:

• Manchester by the Sea (2016): Deals with grief and loss in a raw and realistic way, exploring how individuals cope with immense tragedy.
• Rabbit Hole (2010): Focuses on a couple navigating the aftermath of losing a child, exploring the different ways they grieve and attempt to heal.
• Still Alice (2014): Features a strong female lead dealing with a life-altering challenge, similar to Lilly’s resilience in the face of adversity.
• Beginners (2010): Explores themes of loss, change, and finding meaning in life through unconventional relationships and personal growth, with an emphasis on character-driven narrative.

🛒 The Starling Related Products

• Melissa McCarthy Signed Photo – The Starling: A rare autographed photo of Melissa McCarthy from The Starling. Authenticated and professionally framed, this is a must-have for dedicated fans and collectors.
• Starling Bird House DIY Kit: Build your own Starling friendly birdhouse. Contains all required materials to build and decorate your own bird house.
• Grief Recovery Handbook: A guide to assist with bereavement. Perfect for fans of ‘The Starling’ looking for resources on coping with loss.
• Theodore Melfi Collection [Blu-ray]: A collection of films from Theodore Melfi on Blu-ray. Enjoy films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘St. Vincent’

🎧 Soundtrack

The Starling features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Isabelle Fly” – performed by The Lumineers

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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