Synopsis
A woman adjusting to life after a loss contends with a feisty bird that's taken over her garden — and a husband who's struggling to find a way forward.
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Cast
- Melissa McCarthyLilly Maynard
- Chris O'DowdJack Maynard
- Kevin KlineDr Larry Fine
- Timothy OlyphantTravis Delp
- Daveed DiggsBen
- Skyler GisondoDickey
- Laura HarrierSherri
- Rosalind ChaoFawn
- Kimberly QuinnRegina
- Loretta DevineVelma
Recommendations
- 58
IndieWire
While the film attempts to thread a tricky needle between absolute drama and wacky comedy — dramedy! — Harris’ script is actually at its best when leaning more into the story’s tougher stuff. - 42
The Playlist
It’s nice to see McCarthy and O’Dowd in roles that showcase their emotional range; one just wishes it were in a project worthy of their talents. - 40
TheWrap
The smooth professionalism of so many outstanding participants can’t help but elevate a very ordinary film a little bit higher. Despite the best efforts of both McCarthy and O’Dowd, though, there’s never a moment where it truly takes flight. - 40
Screen Daily
The actors lend sincerity to the proceedings, but the film keeps cheating to achieve its dramatic payoffs. - 40
Variety
Suffice it to say that The Starling’s emotional arcs are as narratively complete as they are psychologically dashed-off. - 38
RogerEbert.com
While this kind of manipulative melodrama is often easy to dismiss, what makes The Starling even more frustrating is the amount of talented people who got sucked into its spin cycle of sadness. - 30
The Hollywood Reporter
With a predictable trajectory and cringeworthy metaphors, The Starling is so slushily sentimental it makes the typical tearjerker look like a noir. Despite the lived-in performances from its three high-profile stars, this attempt at heartfelt drama is hopelessly by-the-numbers. - 30
Screen Rant
What could have been a thoughtful, poignant story about loss ended up being an unfortunate misfire.
