Starling - The

Critics largely agree that the performances are the film's strongest asset.

The titular starling serves as a persistent, sometimes distracting, metaphor for life's "unpredictable" and "aggressive" nature.

For a critical look at the film's sentimentality and use of metaphors, you can watch this review by Mark Kermode: The Starling reviewed by Mark Kermode kermodeandmayo YouTube• 17 Sept 2021 📽️ Deep Review: Emotional Core vs. Tonal Whiplash The Starling

: As Larry, a veterinarian and former psychiatrist, Kline provides a pragmatic counterpoint to Lilly’s grief.

: Some reviewers describe the direction as "visually flat" and similar to an "investor's presentation for Hallmark". Critics largely agree that the performances are the

The film centers on Lilly (Melissa McCarthy) and Jack (Chris O'Dowd), a couple whose lives are shattered after the loss of their infant daughter. Jack is hospitalized in a psychiatric facility, while Lilly remains at home, where she begins an adversarial relationship with a territorial starling in her garden. 1. The Cast's Heavy Lifting

: While some viewers found it "warm and mature," others felt the script was "all over the place," using "disingenuous jokes" to avoid delving deep into uncomfortable themes. 📈 Summary of Perspectives Perspective Key Sentiment Score/Grade Traditional Critics "Leaden metaphors," "slushily sentimental" 1/5 Stars (The Guardian) Performance-Focused "Warmth and truth in its performances" B ( The Detroit News ) Audience/IMDb "Beautiful story of dealing with loss" 7/10 ( IMDb ) Tonal Whiplash : As Larry, a veterinarian and

Are you interested in that take a more realistic approach, or do you want to know more about the director's other works like Hidden Figures ? The Starling (2021) - IMDb