THE STARLING
A beautifully observed grief drama, but adults only.
Should You Watch It?
The Starling asks what healing might look like after the death of a child. Its answer is patient and humane. The film honors grief without treating it as something that can be hurried away, while also showing that friendship, pastoral care, and reconciliation can help people begin moving forward.
That tenderness comes with a cost. The story centers on parents grieving their infant daughter’s death from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also includes slightly excessive foul language, making the film unsuitable for children and young teens even though its moral vision is strong.
Adults who can bear the subject matter and language may find a compassionate, hopeful drama here. For a family with children or younger teenagers, choose something else. The practical answer: WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESLilly and Jack Maynard are grieving the death of their infant daughter. Lilly remains at home, surrounded by reminders of the life she expected, while Jack lives at a rehabilitation facility after a suicide attempt.
When a starling repeatedly attacks Lilly, she seeks help from Larry, a veterinarian who once worked as a therapist. Through this unlikely connection, Lilly and Jack must face their grief and decide how to move forward.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is a fully successful film, especially in its emotional honesty. The raw script beautifully honors the grieving process and shows the good that can result after hardship.
CGI brings the birds to life, and sweet, chuckle-worthy moments relieve some of the heaviness. Melodic music supports the film’s tone. Melissa McCarthy, Kevin Kline, and Chris O’Dowd perform brilliantly, giving the drama warmth and emotional force.
The Worldview
The Starling presents a strong Christian, moral worldview. Pastoral care and church are treated as good things, especially in the light of loss. Scripture is read on television, and the film stresses friendship, caring for others and animals, and reconciliation.
The movie’s moral center is the conviction that grieving people need presence, compassion, and help rather than judgment. It also treats healing as a process, not a quick escape from pain. The source review does not identify a significant departure from this Christian emphasis.
The film’s image of birds caring for one another points toward God’s care for people. As Jesus says, “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” (Matthew 6:26, NASB)
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
Mixed Christian and moral worldview where a woman watches a pastor speak about being present for others on TV, a New Testament scripture quoted, and a woman encourages a friend to see a pastor
Foul Language
25 obscenities (including two “f” words), one Jesus profanity, five light profanities, and some bird excrement
Violence
Woman bleeds on her forehead after a bird pecks it multiple times, a dog undergoes surgery to get neutered, man pushes someone down out of anger but apologizes, and the man who fell isn’t harmed, woman tries to harm a bird with poison and by punching and by throwing a rock, and woman falls flat on her back off a ladder but doesn’t get too injured
Sex
Dog humps a woman’s leg, married couple kisses on the mouth
Nudity
Naturalistic animal nudity
Alcohol Use
Social drinking, and one instance where a vet wants a bottle of gin to calm his nerves
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
Character smokes an electronic cigarette and takes prescription drugs for his mental health, and a woman mentions marijuana;
Miscellaneous Immorality
Marital discord is caused by grief and some lying.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Lilly and Jack must face grief rather than remain numb. What does it look like to bring sorrow honestly before God?
Psalm 34:18 · Romans 12:15The film presents pastoral care and friendship as meaningful help. How can we be present for someone who is suffering?
Galatians 6:2 · Romans 12:15The story emphasizes caring for others and animals. What responsibilities has God given people toward His creation and their neighbors?
Genesis 1:26–28 · Philippians 2:4Reconciliation is part of the film’s moral vision. What makes reconciliation difficult, and what first step might it require?
Matthew 5:23–24 · Colossians 3:13The Final Word
The Starling is beautifully acted and compassionate about grief, friendship, pastoral care, and healing. Its language and painful subject matter make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For discerning adults, it is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For a younger family, consider these.
