The Starling

Healing through unexpected connections.

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Synopsis

In the emotional drama film The Starling, Lilly (played by Melissa McCarthy) struggles to cope with the loss of her baby son Gabriel two years prior. Her husband Jack (Chris O'Dowd) also battles with his own demons and decides to seek help at a mental health facility. Meanwhile, Lilly finds solace in a therapist (Kevin Kline) and an unlikely friendship with a starling bird that appears to be haunting her. The film explores themes of grief, healing, and the power of human connection in the face of tragedy, as Lilly learns to navigate the complexities of forgiveness, acceptance, and moving forward in life.

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Reviews

The Starling has received mixed reviews from critics. While some appreciated Melissa McCarthy's heartfelt performance and the emotional depth of the story, others found the film to be overly sentimental and lacking in originality. Critics praised the chemistry between McCarthy and Kevin Kline, as well as the film's exploration of themes such as grief and healing. However, the pacing and tonal shifts were noted as weaknesses, with some feeling that the story could have been more tightly woven. Overall, the film offers a poignant look at the complexities of grief and the importance of finding hope amidst despair, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of emotional dramas. IMDb users rated The Starling 6.4/10, Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 19% rating, and Metacritic scored it 31/100.