The Starling Girl

The Starling Girl

Year: 2023

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: Laurel Parmet

Drama

In rural Kentucky, seventeen-year-old Jem Starling finds herself caught between the strictures of her fundamentalist Christian community and her own burgeoning desires. Dancing offers a fleeting escape, but it also carries a complicated weight. The arrival of Owen, a charming and charismatic youth pastor, ignites a forbidden attraction that challenges the community’s rigid beliefs and tests Jem’s faith and sense of self. Her choices threaten to disrupt the delicate balance of her world and force her to confront difficult truths about love, faith, and identity.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Starling Girl (2023)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Starling Girl (2023). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting current societal challenges and the struggle between personal desires and community expectations. The setting captures a moment of cultural tension where traditional values confront the complexities of personal identity and emotional expression.

Location

Kentucky, Puerto Rico, Memphis

The story unfolds primarily in a fundamentalist Christian community in Kentucky, known for its strict adherence to religious principles and traditional values. It also features Puerto Rico, a bright and vibrant location where Owen spent his missionary time, bringing a more liberal perspective on life back to Kentucky. Lastly, Memphis serves as a nostalgic backdrop that represents Jem's connection to her father's past and her own journey toward freedom.

🏡 Home 🌴 Paradise 🎶 Music

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:21

Main Characters – The Starling Girl (2023)

Meet the key characters of The Starling Girl (2023), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jemima 'Jem' Starling

Jem is a 17-year-old girl caught between her strict religious upbringing and her burgeoning passions. She is strong-willed and determined, especially when it comes to her love for dance. Throughout the film, Jem's journey toward self-acceptance and personal freedom is depicted as she navigates complex familial relationships and her secret romance.

👩‍🎤 Dancer ❤️ In love ⚖️ Struggling

Owen

Owen is the 28-year-old son of the pastor who returns from missionary work with a more relaxed view of faith. He becomes a source of encouragement for Jem, appreciating her passion while helping her explore her identity. His conflicted marital situation adds layers to his character, making him both a romantic hero and a figure of moral complexity.

💔 Troubled 💡 Supportive 🎸 Musician

Paul Starling

Jem's father, Paul is a man battling his own demons, including alcoholism. His struggles have a profound impact on Jem and the family dynamics. As he grapples with shame and regret, his character highlights the theme of personal failure and its effect on loved ones, bringing emotional depth to the family narrative.

😔 Alcoholic 👨‍👧 Father 🎤 Musician

Rebecca Starling

Rebecca is Jem's younger sister who represents innocence and the next generation of the Starling family. Her bond with Jem offers a glimpse into the familial love that contrasts with the harsh realities they face. As Jem confides in her, Rebecca's character underscores the importance of relationships in navigating adversity.

👧 Sister ❤️ Supportive 🕊️ Innocent

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:21

Major Themes – The Starling Girl (2023)

Explore the central themes of The Starling Girl (2023), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Forbidden Love

The theme of forbidden love is central to Jem's life as she navigates her feelings for Owen, which contradict societal norms and parental expectations. Their relationship is characterized by secrecy and longing, illustrating the struggles individuals face when love defies established boundaries. This theme resonates deeply as it explores the consequences of such a passionate yet problematic connection.

🎭 Self-Discovery

Jem's journey is a profound exploration of self-discovery amidst the constraints of her upbringing. As she grapples with her identity and passion for dance, Jem's character demonstrates the importance of breaking free from societal expectations to uncover one's true self. This theme emphasizes personal growth and the courage it takes to pursue individual passions.

🕊️ Freedom and Rebellion

The quest for freedom and the spirit of rebellion permeate Jem's storyline. As she challenges her family's expectations and the oppressive environment of her community, Jem embodies the struggle for autonomy. Her acts of defiance, from her dance to her relationship with Owen, symbolize a yearning for liberation from the confines of strict norms.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:21

Unlock the Full Story of The Starling Girl

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Starling Girl 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 Starling Girl is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Starling Girl Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Starling Girl, 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 Starling Girl Summary

The Starling Girl Timeline

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

The Starling Girl Timeline

The Starling Girl Ending Explained

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

The Starling Girl Ending Explained

More About The Starling Girl

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Starling Girl: 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 Starling Girl

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