Is The Starling Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Starling is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 102 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Starling Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2021, The Starling emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A woman adjusting to life after a loss contends with a feisty bird that's taken over her garden — and a husband who's struggling to find a way forward. Unlike standard genre fare, The Starling attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Starling features a noteworthy lineup led by Melissa McCarthy . Supported by the likes of Chris O'Dowd and Kevin Kline , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Starling (2021) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Starling Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Starling is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. A woman adjusting to life after a loss contends with a feisty bird that's taken over her garden — and a husband who's struggling to find a way forward. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
The Starling Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Starling concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Starling reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Starling?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of The Starling
- Melissa McCarthy – Lilly Maynard
- Chris O'Dowd – Jack Maynard
- Kevin Kline – Dr. Larry Fine
- Timothy Olyphant – Travis Delp
- Daveed Diggs – Ben
Top Highlights
Melissa McCarthyLilly Maynard
Chris O'DowdJack Maynard
Kevin KlineDr. Larry Fine
Timothy OlyphantTravis Delp
Daveed DiggsBen
Skyler GisondoDickey
Laura HarrierSherri
Kimberly QuinnRegina
Loretta DevineVelma
Jesse GarcíaHector
Where to Watch The Starling Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
NetflixParents Guide & Age Rating
The Starling is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, The Starling stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2021 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Starling movie hit or flop?
The Starling has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Starling worth watching?
The Starling is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Starling online?
The Starling is currently available for streaming on Netflix. You can also check for it on platforms like Netflix depending on your region.
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How The Starling Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Starling
Full Analysis at https://www.spotamovie.com/ - **Intro**- The Starling is an American movie released in 2021. It belongs to the category of drama, and it lasts for one hour and forty-two minutes. The Starling let us connect with nature and rediscover the inner desire of love and life that we sometimes lose because of unfortunate events. We recommend watching the movie because it reminds us how fragile and strong we are at the same time. And to increase your strength, let us guide you through this story. - **The Story** - Lilly and Jack are a couple full of dreams and love for their baby Katie. But, unfortunately, due to a tragic event, their lives change, taking paths unthinkable for them. Life has the power to surprise us when we forget how something terrible but natural can easily break us. Therefore Lilly and Jack begin a personal journey among the paths of grieving, mental health and life to, hopefully, find a new destination. Interesting characters will try to support them. Among them, one is definitely unexpected but efficacious. Will Lilly and Jack be able to find their life again? Who is this mysterious character? And what is it going to teach us? - **Full Analysis** and Insights at https://www.spotamovie.com/the-starling-2021-movie-recommendation-and-analysis/
WHenever I see Melissa McCarthy in another non-comedic role, I get more and more impressed. She is still great at physical humor and delivering funny or ironic lines, but there are layers to her performances now. Her anger, frustration, sadness, all feel real to me. This movie could easily have been rated 6 stars by me with the wrong actress playing the role. Chris O’Dowd’s role is thankless at first; he gives a one-note performance because that is what the plot calls for. The man is entrenched in guilt and depression, so there he is. But later in the movie he is called upon to develop gradually as a character, and he quickly matches Ms. McCarthy’s textured performance. The supporting cast mostly are right on the mark as well. I don’t want to overstate it; this is not destined to be in my top ten movies ever, but it is pretty darn good and I would not change the TV if this comes on while I am cruising channels.
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