The Starling Girl

Jemima 'Jem' Starling, a 17-year-old girl, is raised in a strict fundamentalist Christian community in Kentucky. As the eldest sibling among four younger brothers and sisters, she feels the weight of expectations to be a role model, particularly when it comes to the tradition of courting.

Jem's mother encourages her to become acquainted with Ben Taylor, the pastor's youngest son, who is infatuated with her. Despite Ben's feelings, Jem finds him to be dull and immature, revealing that her true passion lies in dance.

During a dance performance, Jem experiences a humiliating moment when the pastor's wife publicly points out her visible bra. Overwhelmed with embarrassment, Jem escapes outside to cry, marking a significant low point in her journey.

While outside, Jem encounters Owen, the pastor's 28-year-old son who has recently returned from missionary work in Puerto Rico. He confides in Jem, asking her to keep his secret about smoking cigarettes, establishing an initial bond between them.

With the church's dance troupe facing disbandment, Jem is determined to take charge and persuades Owen to appoint her as its leader. This act solidifies her desire to pursue her passion, revealing her strong-willed nature.

As Jem and Owen's bond grows, she develops a crush on him, drawn to his more relaxed approach to church doctrine. Their connection deepens as Owen appreciates her passion for dance, providing the encouragement she desperately needs.

One evening, after a failed dance routine, Owen finds Jem at the church while she is praying. He gifts her seashell earrings, and in a tender moment, she pierces her ears, leading to their first kiss and the blossoming of a secret romance.

To maintain their secret relationship, Owen gives Jem a burner phone so they can communicate privately. He expresses that their connection feels genuine and alive, despite the complications arising from his troubled marriage to Misty.

Jem's family life begins to unravel when her father, Paul, relapses into alcoholism and loses his job. During this turmoil, Jem discovers her father's hidden passion for music, creating a new understanding of her father's struggles.

After Misty criticizes the dance troupe's performance harshly, Jem's anger boils over, leading her to vandalize Misty's car. This act of rebellion highlights her growing frustration with her life and the constraints placed upon her.

After the vandalism, Owen confronts Jem about her actions, expressing concern for her well-being. Their encounter is interrupted by a surprise visit from Misty, forcing Jem to hide and almost exposing their secret relationship.

Jem confides her feelings about her love for Owen to her younger sister, Rebecca. However, Owen expresses a desire to take a break from their affair, adding to Jem's growing sense of heartache and desperation.

As family tensions escalate, Paul attempts suicide following a violent argument with Jem. This tragic event reveals the fragility of their family dynamics and the impact of emotional turmoil on Jem's life.

After discovering the burner phone, Jem's mother believes she has fallen into ruin and sends her to a disciplinary camp to fix her 'sins'. This drastic measure reflects the community’s rigid adherence to their beliefs and the pressure on Jem.

Just before Jem leaves, Owen confesses he has left Misty and wants to be with her, suggesting they escape to Puerto Rico. They confront Jem's mother, leading Jem to make a brave choice to pursue her love, beginning their lives together in a motel.

While at the motel, Jem discovers an old iPod belonging to her father, sparking nostalgia. She sneaks out to visit a bar in Memphis where her father performed, dancing joyfully and embracing her newfound freedom as an individual.