The Starling (2021) Apr 2026

The narrative is a "parable of the grieving process" that uses an extended avian metaphor:

: The story explores the diverging paths of grief. While Lilly (played by Melissa McCarthy ) stoically attempts to maintain their home and work a retail job, Jack (played by Chris O'Dowd ) is admitted to a psychiatric facility following a breakdown. The Starling (2021)

Upon its release on , the film received largely unfavorable reviews from professional critics: The narrative is a "parable of the grieving

(2021) is an American comedy-drama directed by Theodore Melfi and written by Matt Harris . The film follows a married couple, Lilly and Jack Maynard, as they struggle to navigate life and their relationship a year after the sudden death of their infant daughter. Core Themes and Plot The film follows a married couple, Lilly and

: A territorial starling nesting in Lilly's garden begins attacking her, serving as a blunt metaphor for the uncontrollable and aggressive nature of her internal sorrow. Her attempts to "battle" the bird mirror her attempts to regain control over her life.

: Lilly seeks guidance from Dr. Larry Fine ( Kevin Kline ), a former psychologist turned veterinarian. Their unlikely sessions help her process her loss and work toward reconnecting with Jack. Critical Reception