The Starling

The Starling

Year: 2021

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Theodore Melfi

DramaFantasyComedy

A grieving woman, Lilly, finds an unexpected connection while fiercely protecting her garden from a persistent starling. Her determination to ward off the bird becomes a catalyst for confronting personal loss and repairing relationships. Through this unlikely conflict, she discovers a path toward healing and rediscovering her ability to love and find joy again.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Starling (2021)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Starling (2021). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The narrative unfolds in a contemporary setting where the characters navigate modern mental health challenges and the complexities of grief. The emotional landscape reflects the ongoing societal conversation around loss and recovery, making the story relatable to present-day audiences.

Location

Lilly's Backyard, Mental Hospital, Grocery Store

Lilly's backyard features a tree harboring a starling that symbolizes her struggles with grief. The mental hospital serves as a pivotal location where Jack confronts his own emotional turmoil. The grocery store provides a glimpse into Lilly's daily life, where she attempts to find normalcy amidst her challenges.

🏡 Home 🏥 Hospital 🛒 Grocery

Last Updated: December 03, 2024 at 14:30

Main Characters – The Starling (2021)

Meet the key characters of The Starling (2021), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lilly Maynard (Melissa McCarthy)

Lilly is a determined woman battling her overwhelming grief in the wake of her daughter's death. She juggles her responsibilities while struggling to maintain her mental health. Lilly's resilience shines through her challenges, showcasing her journey toward healing and self-acknowledgment.

👩‍👧 Grief 💪 Resilience 🌼 Nurturing

Jack Maynard (Chris O'Dowd)

Jack is a man coping with his own sorrow in a mental hospital. His character represents the deep emotional struggle that follows loss. His relationship with Lilly is pivotal as they confront their grief together, emphasizing the importance of togetherness in healing.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Support 💔 Vulnerability 🏥 Recovery

Dr. Larry Fine (Kevin Kline)

Dr. Larry Fine is an unconventional psychiatrist-turned-veterinarian who provides Lilly with unexpected support. His quirky personality facilitates a unique therapeutic connection, aiding her in confronting her grief. Larry's role underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in healing.

🩺 Compassion 🐾 Quirky 💡 Insightful

Last Updated: December 03, 2024 at 14:30

Major Themes – The Starling (2021)

Explore the central themes of The Starling (2021), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌱 Healing

The theme of healing is central as Lilly grapples with her grief while also supporting Jack's recovery. Their journeys highlight the importance of addressing personal pain and finding support in unlikely places. The gradual acceptance of loss and rebuilding relationships epitomizes the process of healing.

💔 Grief

Grief permeates the story, shaping Lilly and Jack's experiences as they process the death of their daughter. Each character's journey illustrates the different ways grief can manifest and affect one's life. The narrative emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging pain to facilitate healing.

🦋 Transformation

Transformation emerges as Lilly learns to face her struggles, culminating in a profound connection with the starling. This bond symbolizes her journey towards acceptance and personal growth. As she nurtures the bird, she also nurtures her resilience, reflecting the theme of rebirth.

Last Updated: December 03, 2024 at 14:30

Unlock the Full Story of The Starling

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

The Starling Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Starling, 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 Summary

The Starling Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Starling 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 Timeline

The Starling Ending Explained

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

The Starling Ending Explained

More About The Starling

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

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