The Starling Girl
17-year-old Jem Starling struggles with her place within her Christian fundamentalist community. But everything changes when her magnetic youth pastor Owen returns to their church.
Critics Sentiment
Jem dances alone at her father's old Memphis bar
Paul attempts suicide with Heidi's pills after confronting Jem
The film drops significantly during Paul's suicide attempt but recovers strongly with Jem's final liberation.
Critics praised the film's nuanced handling of religious fundamentalism and coming-of-age themes, with particular acclaim for Scanlen's performance and the atmospheric direction. While some found certain plot developments predictable or overly dramatic, most reviewers appreciated the respectful yet critical examination of religious communities. The ending was widely celebrated as emotionally satisfying and thematically complete.
Full cast
Eliza Scanlen
Jem Starling
Lewis Pullman
Owen Taylor
Wrenn Schmidt
Heidi Starling
Jimmi Simpson
Paul Starling
Claire Elizabeth Green
Rebecca Starling
Austin Abrams
Ben Taylor
Chris Dinner
Noah Starling
Paige Leigh Landers
Kelsey
Kieran Sitawi
Jeremy Starling
Jessamine Burgum
Misty Taylor
Kyle Secor
Pastor Taylor
Andrew Riley Stephens
Mike Stone
K.J. Baker
Anne Abbott
Ellie May
Sarah Starling
Brianna Bronger
Nora
Abby Hobek
Rachel
Crew
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