The Star

The Star

Year: 2017

Runtime: 86 min

Language: English

Director: Timothy Reckart

Echo Score: 50

Budget: $20M

AdventureFantasyComedyAnimationFamily

A spirited donkey named Bo yearns for something more than his ordinary life. He sets off on an extraordinary journey with a group of unlikely animal companions, including Ruth the sheep, Dave the dove, and three comical camels. Following a bright Star, they find themselves unexpectedly involved in the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, becoming part of a heartwarming Christmas story filled with friendship and wonder.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Star yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Star (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Star (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1st Century

The film takes place during the 1st Century, a time critical to the Christian faith, marked by significant events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. This period saw the emergence of key religious figures and prophecies, contributing to a pivotal moment in history and shaping beliefs that would endure for millennia.

Location

Nazareth, Bethlehem

Nazareth is a town in Galilee known for its historical significance in Christianity as the hometown of Mary and Joseph. Bethlehem, another key location, is recognized for being the birthplace of Jesus, marked by humble living conditions and a manger where the baby was born. The bright star that heralded the birth of Jesus is a key element that guides the characters throughout their journey.

🏜️ Town 🌌 Manger

Last Updated: February 26, 2025 at 09:00

Main Characters – The Star (2017)

Meet the key characters of The Star (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mary (voiced by Gina Rodriguez)

Mary is a strong and faithful young woman chosen to bear the son of God. Her nurturing nature and unwavering belief in her divine calling drive her actions throughout the film. Despite facing challenges, she remains compassionate and supportive, especially towards Bo, the donkey.

👩‍👧‍👦 Motherhood ✝️ Faith

Bo (voiced by Steven Yeun)

Bo is a young donkey with dreams of adventure beyond his mundane life at the mill. His loyalty and determination lead him to help Mary and Joseph, showcasing his courageous heart and growth throughout the story. Bo's journey from a dreamer to a hero emphasizes self-discovery and bravery.

🐴 Adventure 🦸‍♂️ Heroism

Joseph (voiced by Zachary Levi)

Joseph is Mary's devoted fiancé who grapples with the shocking news of her pregnancy. His journey reflects a struggle between doubt and faith, ultimately accepting his role in supporting Mary and the impending birth. He embodies strength and protection, crucial for their family's safety.

👨‍👩‍👦 Family ⚔️ Protection

Dave (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key)

Dave is Bo's supportive dove friend, offering comic relief while also representing loyalty and encouragement. His playful, yet courageous spirit contributes to the adventures and dangers faced by the group. Dave's friendship with Bo highlights the significance of camaraderie in overcoming obstacles.

🐦 Friendship 😂 Humor

Last Updated: February 26, 2025 at 09:00

Major Themes – The Star (2017)

Explore the central themes of The Star (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌟 Faith

Faith is a central theme in 'The Star', as characters grapple with their beliefs regarding the birth of the messiah. Mary's unwavering belief in her divine calling and her interactions with others highlight the importance of trust in God’s plan. The journey of Bo, the donkey, reflects the transformative power of faith in the face of doubts and challenges.

🐾 Friendship

Friendship plays a significant role in the story as Bo and Dave, despite their struggles, support each other throughout their journey. Their bond exemplifies loyalty and the importance of companionship, particularly as they unite to help Mary and Joseph. The animals' cooperation in the face of danger also underscores the theme of teamwork.

👶 New Beginnings

The theme of new beginnings is evident in the birth of Jesus, symbolizing hope and the promise of salvation. It signifies the start of a new chapter not only for Mary and Joseph but for all of humanity. The characters' journeys leading to this moment reflect personal growth and the possibility of change.

Last Updated: February 26, 2025 at 09:00

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Inspiring Journeys of Destiny like in The Star

Heartwarming adventures where underdogs discover their important place in a grand story.Discover movies like The Star, featuring heartwarming animated adventures where characters follow a calling. If you enjoyed Bo's hopeful quest for purpose, you'll love these stories of underdogs on inspirational journeys filled with friendship and discovery of one's destiny in a grand narrative.

hopefulheartwarminginspirationalwondrousadventurousquestdestinyuplifting

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a linear, character-driven arc where a protagonist, often an outsider or underdog, feels unfulfilled. A spark of inspiration or a sign sets them on a path where they meet companions, face manageable challenges, and ultimately find their crucial role in a larger, wondrous event, leading to a deeply satisfying and happy resolution.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared focus on inspirational personal journeys, a consistently hopeful and wondrous tone, and themes of discovering one's destiny through cooperation and faith. They provide a light, family-friendly emotional experience centered on positive messages and heartwarming conclusions.

Cozy Holiday Animal Adventures like in The Star

Whimsical family films where animal friends embark on a magical holiday mission.Find more movies like The Star with this collection of cozy holiday tales. If you liked the talking animals, Christmas spirit, and gentle adventure, explore these family-friendly films featuring whimsical animal friends on a heartwarming mission centered around the magic of the holiday season.

whimsicalchristmas spiritfamily-friendlycozytalking animalsholiday magicfriendshipcheerful

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a group of anthropomorphic animal characters who form an unlikely team. Driven by the unique magic of a holiday (often Christmas), they work together to achieve a positive goal, facing minor comical obstacles along the way. The story emphasizes their camaraderie and culminates in a joyous holiday celebration that affirms community and goodwill.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on the specific combination of a holiday setting, a cast of talking animal protagonists, a light and whimsical tone, and a focus on family-friendly themes like friendship and the festive spirit. The shared vibe is one of cozy, cheerful adventure without significant darkness or tension.

Unlock the Full Story of The Star

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Star in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Star is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Star Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Star, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Star Summary

The Star Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Star with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Star Timeline

The Star Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The Star? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The Star Ending Explained

The Star Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Star that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Star Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Star

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Star: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Star