The Starling (2021)
Film · Drama
Skip itit is a heavy-handed and tonally inconsistent drama that fails to balance its quirky metaphor with genuine emotion.
Despite a high-profile cast, this is a heavy-handed exploration of grief that struggles to balance its quirky bird-themed metaphor with genuine sentiment. It is a tonally inconsistent watch that aims for the heart but often misses the mark, as reflected by its poor critical reception.
What The Starling is like, and who it is for
What it is like to watch
Watching this film feels like a disjointed tug-of-war between two different movies. One side is a sombre, grounded exploration of a couple navigating profound loss, while the other is a slapstick comedy involving a CGI bird and physical antics. The pace is uneven, often stalling in moments of quiet melancholy before jarringly shifting into whimsical territory that feels forced. It is visually bright yet emotionally laboured, making for an experience that feels strangely synthetic despite its serious subject matter.
Who it is for, and who should skip it
This is likely to appeal to viewers who enjoy sentimental stories and are willing to overlook clumsy metaphors for a chance to see Melissa McCarthy in a dramatic role. However, most should skip it if they prefer subtle, nuanced portrayals of grief. A significant caveat is that the central metaphor involving the territorial bird is surprisingly aggressive and distracting, often undermining the gravity of the husband's institutionalisation and the couple's shared trauma.
The right evening for it
It suits an evening when you want a simple, tear-jerking narrative but do not mind a lack of sophistication. It is best watched when you are in the mood for a well-meaning but ultimately flawed production that wears its heart on its sleeve.
Written by our AI from the facts on this page. It has opinions; it has not watched it.
If you like this, try
Rabbit Hole (2010)
a similarly intimate exploration of a couple processing the sudden loss of a child
A Man Called Otto (2022)
blending grumpy, idiosyncratic humour with a central story about navigating life after tragedy
The Hollars (2016)
an ensemble-led drama that attempts to find whimsical moments within serious family crises
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What it is about
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.
Trailer
Stills
Images from TMDB.
Questions people ask
- Is The Starling a tearjerker film?
- Yes. On Watchlist Boosted it is tagged Tearjerker, with a funny streak. Despite a high-profile cast, this is a heavy-handed exploration of grief that struggles to balance its quirky bird-themed metaphor with genuine sentiment. It is a tonally inconsistent watch that aims for the heart but often misses the mark, as reflected by its poor critical reception.
- How long is The Starling?
- The Starling runs 103 min and was released in 2021.
- Is The Starling worth watching?
- Skip it: it is a heavy-handed and tonally inconsistent drama that fails to balance its quirky metaphor with genuine emotion. TMDB users rate it 6.9 out of 10 from 336 votes.
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