The Starling
Netflix | Release Date: September 17, 2021 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
31
METASCORE
Generally unfavorable reviews based on 23 Critic Reviews
Positive:
1
Mixed:
10
Negative:
12
Watch Now
Stream On

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
58
IndieWireKate ErblandSep 12, 2021
While the film attempts to thread a tricky needle between absolute drama and wacky comedy — dramedy! — Harris’ script is actually at its best when leaning more into the story’s tougher stuff. Read full review
50
Chicago TribuneNina MetzSep 27, 2021
McCarthy’s open-faced performance is reason enough to give it your time, even if nearly everything surrounding her feels unworthy. Read full review
42
The A.V. ClubKatie RifeSep 16, 2021
The saddest thing about all of this is that McCarthy and O’Dowd make a convincing onscreen couple, and both of them are strong enough actors to find the real, defeated people in this phony script. Read full review
42
The PlaylistMarya E. GatesSep 13, 2021
It’s nice to see McCarthy and O’Dowd in roles that showcase their emotional range; one just wishes it were in a project worthy of their talents. Read full review
40
IGNMatt FowlerSep 27, 2021
The Starling contains themes of grief and guilt that are worth exploration, but finds itself unable to delve deep into these elements, instead relying on bad bird effects and a needlessly quirky and eccentric tone to gloss over most of the uncomfortable elements. Read full review
40
Paste MagazineTara Bennett Sep 20, 2021
With all the elements on hand to achieve something of note, The Starling disappointingly reduces the complexity of loss, grief and forgiveness into a birdbrained fairy tale that is more than happy to bypass reality in order to make a featherlight point. Read full review
40
Los Angeles TimesGary GoldsteinSep 17, 2021
It may seem churlish to knock a film that works so hard to present everyday, well-meaning folks facing unspeakable, real-life pain. But between the picture’s uncertain tone, quirky-for-quirk’s-sake elements and such self-conscious dialogue as “What color is the sky in your world, kemo sabe?” it’s tough to be all that supportive. Read full review
40
VarietyGuy LodgeSep 12, 2021
Suffice it to say that The Starling’s emotional arcs are as narratively complete as they are psychologically dashed-off. Read full review
40
Screen DailyTim GriersonSep 12, 2021
The actors lend sincerity to the proceedings, but the film keeps cheating to achieve its dramatic payoffs. Read full review
40
TheWrapElizabeth WeitzmanSep 12, 2021
The smooth professionalism of so many outstanding participants can’t help but elevate a very ordinary film a little bit higher. Despite the best efforts of both McCarthy and O’Dowd, though, there’s never a moment where it truly takes flight. Read full review
More From This Movie

31 Critic Reviews

4.8 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 77 Project Hail Mary
2 75 Send Help
3 73 Hoppers
4 71 The Sheep Detectives
5 68 Crime 101
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL