The Starling - A Netflix Movie Review

Some things are just out of our control - like this starling trying to attack me for example.

The Starling flew onto Netflix in 2021. A couple suffers a difficult loss that separates them in their journeys of grief. Encountering a feisty bird that continuously attacks Lily in her garden, this time helps her rediscover herself again.

Movies that center around grief have an impact on all audiences. The Starling hit me right in the feels. It is relatable in so many ways. The Starling is a film about finding yourself in difficult times even if it involves fighting against birds.

Achieving a dramatic performance, Melissa McCarthy conquers blending comedy and drama when performing new grounds in various roles. Struggling with a loss, Lily finds it easier to keep to herself. McCarthy was good at landing her inner emotions. I like the way McCarthy studied this character, along with the battles against the starling.

Instead of just focusing on Lily, I like how the film gave attention to Jack’s journey. Chris O’Dowd channeled difficult emotions, sustaining a genuine performance. McCarthy and O’Dowd worked tremendously together. Each having different behaviors to grief, they bore a range of emotions, reconfiguring their bond.

You never know who will help you in your battles with grief. Dr. Larry Fine is not your average therapist. And no, he’s not that Larry Fine who you are thinking of. As a veterinarian, the direction of Kevin Kline and McCarthy’s sequences was wonderful. Talking is important. You never know what you’ll discover.

Credits include Timothy Olyphant, Daveed Diggs, Skyler Gisondo, Laura Harrier, Rosalind Chao, Kimberly Quinn, Loretta Devine, and the unforgettable CGI starling. Containing interesting side characters, an array of diverse characters were created such as supermarket workers, doctors, and patients. Everyone got an equal share of screentime.

Colors symbolize an integral detail of character development. Costumes have an important duty, more than just establishing the time period and providing clothes. Pay attention to how the colors change in each scene.

Beautiful locations were picked to film in. I always liked watching Lily’s drive. Driving is an adventure of its own no matter how short the journey is. The soundtrack was lovely, containing signature songs. It was also resonating as a symbol of growth to never push the past away.

Nobody should ever feel embarrassed by their grieving processes. It takes time. Sometimes it takes years until we feel like ourselves again. Theodore Melfi created tender and poignant moments. You could feel the emotions erupting off the screen. His direction to both McCarthy and Dowd was remarkable.

Though some sequences were overdone. The starling who was the main focal point deserved a bigger role. McCarthy had a fun time working with a bird that was developing into the scene during post-production. Certain themes, songs, and conversations felt overused.

Movies are meant to make you feel an assortment of emotions. Before watching this film you need to know that it is sad. However, it delivers its moments of comedy thanks to McCarthy’s excellent comedic timing. The Starling’s mix of comedy was needed. Scenes that took place at the vet’s office were my favorite.

Some things are just out of our control. We’ll figure it out as life goes. As I have experienced, we’ll have our good days and our bad days. Like birds, eventually, we will fly again. Changes are scary, but they could work for better or for worse.

The Starling is a good pick if you are feeling lost. Go find it on Netflix and have a laugh and shed a tear.