The Starling Girl movie is a quiet yet unsettling drama that dives into the emotional world of a 17-year-old girl raised in a conservative Christian community. Directed by Laurel Parmet, this debut feature avoids clichés and delivers a grounded portrayal of adolescence, shame, and rebellion. It doesn’t scream to get your attention. It waits. And that waiting is part of its power.
This story is not packed with fast-paced drama. There are no shocking twists. Instead, it builds tension through silence, body language, and choices that feel deeply personal. It is a film that earns your patience and rewards your attention.
The Starling Girl: Release, Cast, and everything else
The Starling Girl movie first showed at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023. It later hit select theatres in the US on May 12, 2023. By July, the movie was available to rent or buy online and on DVD. It started streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime on October 9, 2023, making it easier to watch from home.
The movie was written and directed by Laurel Parmet in her first full-length feature. Eliza Scanlen leads the film as Jem, with Lewis Pullman playing Owen. Jem’s parents are played by Jimmi Simpson and Wrenn Schmidt, and Austin Abrams also appears in a small role. The film runs for just under two hours and is rated R for its mature content. The music is by Lord Huron, and the cinematography by Brian Lannin adds to the film’s quiet, emotional tone.
The Story of The Starling Girl
Jem Starling, played by Eliza Scanlen, is a preacher’s daughter who loves to dance. Her performances are restricted to church-sanctioned settings. Even there, she’s constantly reminded to stay modest, to stay obedient. When Owen, the pastor’s married son, returns from missionary work, Jem is drawn to him. He’s older, 28, and has more freedom than she can imagine.
Owen begins mentoring the youth group and helping with Jem’s dance team. Their bond turns personal. It grows into an affair. Jem believes it is spiritual and pure. Owen says it is real. But things start to crack as the church begins to notice changes in her behavior.
Her father discovers the truth and reacts with anger. Her mother is furious. Owen hides behind silence. Jem is forced to confess her “sins” before the congregation while Owen remains untouched. She’s sent to a Christian behavior camp. Eventually, she runs away with him. But the final scene makes a sharp turn. Jem leaves Owen behind and drives off alone. She dances at a Memphis bar, finally owning her body and choices.
The Starling Girl Movie and Its Emotional Impact
This is not a flashy film. There are no raised voices or big speeches. Yet, the emotion is strong. Jem’s pain is quiet but visible. Her isolation is real. The audience sees the world through her eyes. The camera lingers on moments that seem small but carry weight. A missed glance. A hesitant touch. A late-night drive.
There’s a haunting quality to how the story unfolds. Everything is soaked in quiet discomfort. The guilt, the need for freedom, and the confusion between love and manipulation are all portrayed with care.
The performances strengthen the emotional core. Eliza Scanlen never overacts. She lets Jem speak through her silences and stolen moments. Lewis Pullman, as Owen, avoids turning his character into a villain. That’s what makes it more disturbing. He seems well-meaning at times, even kind. But that’s exactly how control often hides itself.
What the Critics Are Saying
The critical response to the starling girl movie has been strong. On IMDb, the film holds a score of 6.7 out of 10. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 92 percent approval from critics and 79 percent from audiences. That alone speaks volumes about its impact.
At Sundance, the film received praise for its direction, subtlety, and emotional truth. Writers from RogerEbert.com and The Guardian called it one of the most quietly powerful debuts in recent years. Critics appreciated that it doesn’t oversimplify. It allows the audience to sit with the discomfort.
Reddit discussions reflect mixed feelings. Some viewers say it is one of the most honest portrayals of religious guilt and gendered control they’ve seen. Others admit it made them uncomfortable. A few found the pacing slow. Some questioned whether it lets Owen off too easily.
But that debate is part of what makes this movie important. It’s not giving you simple answers. It’s showing you something real, and real things are never neat.
A Clear Storyline Without Confusion
Unlike many coming-of-age dramas, this one doesn’t hide behind metaphors or loose ends. The storyline is clear. Jem has a desire to be seen, to be loved, and to own her body. Her world tells her that is sinful. Owen tells her it is spiritual. She believes him until he lets her take the fall.
In the end, she chooses herself. Not her family. Not Owen. Not even the church. She walks away alone. Not broken. Just beginning again.
The film isn’t perfect. Its slow pace may lose some viewers. There are moments when you wish for a stronger confrontation, especially between Jem and Owen or Jem and her mother. Also, the side characters are not explored deeply. Owen’s wife remains mostly silent. Jem’s father struggles with addiction, but his story ends abruptly.
Yet, these are not failings. They are reflections of how limited Jem’s world really is. The film stays focused on her point of view, and that’s where its strength lies.
For audiences who want more than entertainment, the starling girl movie is worth watching. It’s not trying to be shocking or dramatic. It’s trying to be honest. It shows how complicated it is to grow up in a place where rules come before feelings.
This movie respects its audience. It doesn’t use trauma for effect. It tells a story that many have lived but rarely see on screen. It doesn’t ask for pity. It asks for understanding.
This isn’t just a film about religion. It’s about being young and trying to figure out who you are when every voice around you is louder than your own.
Final Thoughts for Viewers
The starling girl movie is a slow, quiet, emotionally honest film that stays with you. It captures a girl’s struggle for selfhood in a world that teaches her to stay small. It does not offer dramatic twists or loud lessons. Instead, it gives you a character who makes you feel and think.
This review avoids any spoilers or suspense and lays out the entire story and impact with complete clarity. The goal is to help the audience know what to expect. If you are looking for a grounded and personal film experience, this one will speak to you.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Recommended for: Viewers who appreciate character-driven films, emotional realism, and honest storytelling.
Avoid if: You prefer fast pacing, high drama, or simple endings.
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