“Starlings are different from other birds. They build a nest together, they protect the nest together. They’re just not meant to exist in the world alone, on their own.”

Directed by Theodore Melfi, acclaimed for films like Hidden figures and St. Vincent, ‘The Starling’ is a sentimental film set to premiere this September. Written by Matt Harris, the US drama is 1 hour and 42 minutes long, and was first announced in June 2019. Netflix acquired its distribution rights in April 2020 for $20 million.

‘The Starling’ trailer

The film is a tale of a woman and her husband, struggling to adjust to life after suffering a loss. The ‘re-start’ is always difficult when a life is lost, which here is their beloved daughter. Meanwhile, Lilly Maynard (Melissa McCarthy) grapples with a feisty bird that has taken over her garden. She is also looking after her husband, who is coping with the loss in a mental hospital.

The starlings taking over her garden and disturbing behavior takes her to a psychologist-turned-veterinarian, Larry. He tells Lilly about stage three of the grieving process – anger, in the trailer, post which comes depression. Larry helps the Maynard couple heal, to start anew and rediscover love.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYyImx_KXm4

What should you expect?

A heartfelt, feel-good joyride with moments of emotions and grief.

Rising from an extreme loss to find purpose in life, the film promises to be a lesson. Flairs of comedy are visible from the trailer as Lilly fights the bird. Mental health and struggles to cope are going to be the main theme. From suffering to love, the film will take us on a gratifying journey; a story of hope and not giving up. In addition, the vet’s character will be interesting to explore as he appears to have a story of his own.

The cast

Melissa McCarthy and Chris O’Dowd are playing the couple Lilly and Jack Maynard, with Kevin Kline featuring as the vet. Further, Timothy Olyphant, Daveed Diggs, Skyler Gisondo, Laura Harrier, and Loretta Devine are also a part of the cast.

When and where is ‘The Starling’ releasing?

‘The Starling’ will first premiere at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival on 17 September 2021, with a limited release in select theaters. After that, it will be released on Netflix on September 24.