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 – The Starling (2021)

Trace every key event in The Starling (2021) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Loss of Their Daughter

Jack and Lily Maynard face the devastating grief following the sudden death of their baby daughter due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This tragedy leaves both of them struggling with their emotional turmoil, leading Jack into a residential mental hospital for treatment.

2

Lily's Daily Struggles

While Jack is in the mental hospital, Lily attempts to keep her life on track despite her overwhelming sorrow. She continues to work at a grocery store and maintains their home, all while grappling with her own grief in solitude.

Grocery Store
3

The Harassing Starling

Lily's challenges intensify when a starling takes up residence in a tree in her backyard. The bird begins to harass her, which symbolizes her own unresolved grief, and she becomes fixated on stopping its aggressive behavior.

Lily's Backyard
4

Visiting Jack

Every week, Lily makes a two-hour journey to visit Jack in the hospital. During these visits, she wrestles with doubts about his willingness to come home and what their future together might look like.

Mental Hospital
5

Counselor's Suggestion

Amid her struggles, a counselor at the hospital advises Lily to seek mental health support for herself. This moment is a turning point for Lily, pushing her to prioritize her own healing alongside Jack's journey.

Mental Hospital
6

Meeting Larry Fine

Lily finds herself consulting with Larry Fine, a quirky and unconventional psychiatrist who has transitioned into a veterinarian. Their first meeting marks the beginning of a unique bond that develops as they navigate their personal struggles together.

Larry's Office
7

The Bond with the Starling

As Lily continues therapy with Larry, she learns to confront her grief while also dealing with the starling's presence. Their sessions lead her to develop an unusual attachment to the bird, reflecting her own vulnerabilities.

8

The Accident

One fateful day, Lily accidentally strikes the starling with a stone, leaving her heartbroken and terrified that she has permanently harmed it. In desperation, she turns to Larry for guidance on how to help the injured bird.

Lily's Backyard
9

Reviving the Bird

Under Larry's guidance, Lily learns how to care for the starling and nurture it back to health. This experience becomes a significant part of her healing process, allowing her to confront her grief more openly.

10

Letting Go

Once the starling recovers, Lily makes the emotional decision to let it fly free. This moment symbolizes her growing acceptance of grief and her journey toward healing, as she learns to coexist with her pain.

Lily's Backyard
11

Jack's Return Home

Jack finally returns home from the mental hospital, and he and Lily begin to reconcile their relationship. Together, they face the world and work through their shared grief, bolstered by their supportive bond.

Maynard's Home
12

Gardening Together

The film concludes with a heartwarming scene of Jack and Lily gardening together in their yard. Their peaceful activity signifies not only their reconciliation but also the resilience of their love and hope for the future.

Maynard's Garden
13

The Starling's Presence

Even after the reconciliation, the starling remains a part of their lives, often seen in their yard. This continuing presence of the bird serves as a reminder of their shared journey through grief and healing.

Lily's Backyard

Last Updated: December 03, 2024 at 14:27

Unlock the Full Story of The Starling

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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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Starling

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Starling. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Starling

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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