Review of The Starling (2021) by Tvjerry — 27 Sep 2021

The concept of this film is as absurd as you’d expect…healing thru an avian friendship. Melissa McCarthy and Chris O’Dowd play a happy couple until an unfortunate event devastates their lives. While he struggles in a psychiatric facility, she starts to face her grief with the help of an especially aggressive bird in her garden.

Although their performances are acceptable, the only bright spot is the veterinarian, played by a charmingly amusing Kevin Kline. Otherwise, the narrative is painfully predictable, while the dialogue doesn’t add any  depth.

The hokey symbolism that parallels her relationship with the bird is a contrived and downright dumb attempt that feels like it’s dragging the bottom of Hallmark Channel rejects.