The Starling movie review & film summary (2021)


The truth is that you might cry. It’s kind of hard not to when a drama centers people who have gone through the unimaginable grief of losing a child. I have three children and can’t really wrap my brain around it other than to say that I know I would simply be a completely different person. And yet the world doesn’t stop for people whose children die. Jack (Chris O’Dowd) can’t quite figure out how it hasn’t stopped, and eventually ends up at a psychiatric clinic. When Matt Harris’ script opens, Jack’s wife Lilly (Melissa McCarthy) is trying to hold it together for Jack’s return from the facility. She’s working at a grocery store (with a boss played by Timothy Olyphant in a role that makes you wonder why someone would cast such a recognizably charismatic performer in a non-role) and trying to maintain her family’s property, which leads to a few showdowns with a rambunctious bird, hence the title. She’s also driving two hours every week to see her husband and starting to wonder if he really wants to come home, and what life will be like when he does.

Lilly is in the very recognizable role of someone who prioritizes another’s grief without managing her own, and so a counselor at Jack’s clinic suggests she tend to her own mental health before her husband’s comes back into her daily life. This leads her into the office of a local veterinarian (Kevin Kline), who used to be a therapist but now espouses a somewhat cynical view of the profession. His new job will come in handy with the bird subplot, but he’s also really Lilly’s atypical advisor, someone who can speak to her without the same walls sometimes put up by his former profession.

The scenes between the Oscar-nominated McCarthy and Oscar-winning Kline are fascinating in the way they push and pull between what they’re capable of, and what they’ve been given by the script. Kline hints at back story that gives his role depth, but then his character returns to tedious clichés. Every piece of advice he gives Lilly seems tender because of Kline’s notable humanity on-screen, but also simplistic and designed to emotionally provoke the audience. It’s a film that’s constantly using its characters in ways that don’t feel genuine, and you can see the talented cast fight against it … and lose.

You can view the original article HERE.

D.L. Hughley Slams Trevor Noah’s Integration Query as Stupidest Thing Ever
D.L. Hughley Slams Trevor Noah’s Integration Query as Stupidest Thing Ever
‘SNL’ Alum Victoria Jackson Slams Tom Hanks MAGA Skit as ‘Stupid’
‘SNL’ Alum Victoria Jackson Slams Tom Hanks MAGA Skit as ‘Stupid’
Hooters Waitress Sophia Gabrielle Ross Avoids Jail Time After Viral DUI Arrest
Hooters Waitress Sophia Gabrielle Ross Avoids Jail Time After Viral DUI Arrest
Stephen A. Smith Shuts Down Rumor He’ll Run for U.S. Presidency In 2028
Stephen A. Smith Shuts Down Rumor He’ll Run for U.S. Presidency In 2028
‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Premiere Sets New Records for the Show
‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Premiere Sets New Records for the Show
Brenda Robinson, Acting President of Film Independent, Set to Preside Over 40th Spirit Awards; Aidy Bryant Cheerfully Returns as Host | Features
Brenda Robinson, Acting President of Film Independent, Set to Preside Over 40th Spirit Awards; Aidy Bryant Cheerfully Returns as Host | Features
Celebrate ‘SNL’s 50th With ‘Saturday Night’ on Netflix
Celebrate ‘SNL’s 50th With ‘Saturday Night’ on Netflix
Seth Rogen Destroys Complains About Cancel Culture in Comedy
Seth Rogen Destroys Complains About Cancel Culture in Comedy
Vince Staples wants to be in ‘Severance’: “Call me Ben Stiller”
Vince Staples wants to be in ‘Severance’: “Call me Ben Stiller”
Backstreet Boys add more dates to Las Vegas Sphere residency
Backstreet Boys add more dates to Las Vegas Sphere residency
Jack Nicholson makes rare public appearance for ‘SNL50’ special
Jack Nicholson makes rare public appearance for ‘SNL50’ special
Kid Rock “respects” Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl show but thinks it’s “the epitome of DEI blowing up”
Kid Rock “respects” Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl show but thinks it’s “the epitome of DEI blowing up”
A look at Paul Nicholls’ potential runners for the 2025 Grand National
A look at Paul Nicholls’ potential runners for the 2025 Grand National
Ravens’ Tucker faces misconduct allegations from 7 more massage therapists
Ravens’ Tucker faces misconduct allegations from 7 more massage therapists
Three outsiders to consider for the Champion Chase
Three outsiders to consider for the Champion Chase
Herro edges Hield, Garland to capture Three-Point Contest
Herro edges Hield, Garland to capture Three-Point Contest
Why Did We Never Get ‘Miss Congeniality 3’?
Why Did We Never Get ‘Miss Congeniality 3’?
Brave New World’ Finally Did What I’ve Waited So Long For
Brave New World’ Finally Did What I’ve Waited So Long For
High Potential Season 2 Needs to Push the Daphne/Oz Agenda
High Potential Season 2 Needs to Push the Daphne/Oz Agenda
25 Great Shows on Crave to Watch Right Now
25 Great Shows on Crave to Watch Right Now
A New York Minute with Philipp Plein, Hold NYC, and Simkhai
A New York Minute with Philipp Plein, Hold NYC, and Simkhai
Ting-en Tsai: A Self-Taught Illustrator Redefining Visual Storytelling
Ting-en Tsai: A Self-Taught Illustrator Redefining Visual Storytelling
Top Looks From Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary Show!
Top Looks From Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary Show!
Top Looks From The 2025 BAFTA’s Red Carpet!
Top Looks From The 2025 BAFTA’s Red Carpet!