The Starling Girl (2023) - Review
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© Brian Lannin, Courtesy of Bleecker Street
Directed by: Laurel Parmet
Written by: Laurel Parmet
Starring: Eliza Scanlen, Lewis Pullman, Wrenn Schmidt, Austin Abrams, Jimmi Simpson
Runtime: 116 min
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Jem Starling (Eliza Scanlen) struggles to define her place within her fundamentalist Christian community in rural Kentucky. Even her greatest joy of dancing with the church group is tempered by worry that her actions are sinful and she is caught between a burgeoning awareness of her own sexuality and her religious devotion. With the return of Owen (Lewis Pullman), an enigmatic youth pastor, Jem soon finds herself attracted to his worldliness and charm. Slowly, he draws her into a dangerous relationship that could upend their entire community.
© Brian Lannin, Courtesy of Bleecker Street
Editor's Note: Original review was written for That Shelf. Full article can be found below.
REVIEW SUMMARY
The Starling Girl addresses the impact of religion on young women's lives, particularly tackling how sexuality, love, freedom, and personal identity relate to fundamentalist pedagogy. A solid directorial debut by Laurel Parmet, deeply exploring a self-discovery arc by a compelling protagonist who represents countless women taught and forced to hide and fear much of what defines them as human beings with feelings, desires, and dreams. An empowering, insightful story elevated by an underappreciated cast, including a career-best performance from Eliza Scanlen.
