When my wife and I first watched the trailer for Netflix’s new movie, The Starling, we had very different expectations. She immediately thought it looked like a tear-jerker, while I, seeing Melissa McCarthy, anticipated a comedy. After watching it together, we realized we were both right, in a way. More importantly, we realized that The Starling is a film that offers something for everyone in the family, making it a surprisingly Good Family Movie despite its weighty subject matter.
The Starling, available on Netflix from September 24th, tackles some serious and complex themes. Loss, grief, mental health, depression, rebirth, and loneliness are all central to the story. However, the film also balances these heavy topics with moments of levity and whimsy. There’s a comically territorial bird, a neglected garden that becomes a symbol of healing, a veterinarian who used to be a therapist (played with quirky charm by Kevin Kline), and Melissa McCarthy’s signature sarcastic humor as a wife coping with immense sorrow. Adding to this mix is Chris O’Dowd’s portrayal of her institutionalized husband, who brings an endearing wit to his difficult situation.
One notable aspect is the film’s subtle shift in traditional gender roles. It’s McCarthy’s character, the wife, who is the strong, resilient one, “holding down the fort” during their family crisis. This flips the conventional portrayal of the “man as the steady stone” figure in times of family hardship, offering a fresh perspective. These were some of the themes discussed when I had the opportunity to speak with the directors, Ted Melfi and Kimberly Quinn.
Some parents might hesitate, thinking a film dealing with such heavy themes wouldn’t qualify as a good family movie. I initially wondered the same. However, I believe The Starling is appropriate and even beneficial for families with elementary school-aged children and older. My own children, ages eight and six, watched it with me and their reactions were incredibly insightful.
They asked thoughtful questions about death, depression, and even the behavior of starlings. It sparked conversations that we might not have had otherwise, opening up age-appropriate dialogues on complex emotions and life events. Beyond the heavier themes, the film also beautifully illustrates how a marriage, even when strained to its breaking point, can find its way back to strength and resilience through commitment and mutual effort.
My kids genuinely enjoyed the starling itself, finding the bird’s territorial antics entertaining. They also, surprisingly, loved The Starling as a movie overall. But most importantly, watching it together provided a valuable opportunity for growth and understanding for all of us. It’s a film that stays with you, prompting reflection and discussion long after the credits roll, ultimately proving itself to be a surprisingly good family movie choice.
