Set in a fundamentalist Christian community in Kentucky, Laurel Parmet's compelling coming-of-age drama, "The Starling Girl," introduces us to Jem Starling (Eliza Scanlen). At 17, Jem is grappling with her identity, her evolving feelings about love (or is it lust?), and her aspirations. Navigating faith, family, and community can be intricate. Yet, the film delicately depicts her internal struggle. She grapples with her desires, beliefs, and her yearning for companionship in a community that is quick to punish errant thoughts and actions.
See Also: Run Rabbit Run (2023) - Movie Review
In "The Starling Girl," Parmet presents Jem at a difficult juncture in her life. Her father (Jimmi Simpson) is battling depression following the demise of a former bandmate from his secular past. Her mother (Wrenn Schmidt) urges her to maintain appearances and act as though everything is fine within their family. Jem is lukewarm about her courtship with Ben (Austin Abrams). But, is increasingly drawn towards his older brother Owen (Lewis Pullman), who has recently returned from a missionary stint in Puerto Rico with his wife Misty (Jessamine Burgum). As the pastor’s son and youth program overseer, Owen soon becomes the object of Jem's frequent visits. The growing mutual attraction forces Jem to question whether this is God's will or something entirely different.
Scanlen's outstanding performance gives life to "The Starling Girl." She perfectly channels the frustrations, impulsiveness, and naivety of a teenager constantly told what to do and subtly manipulated by her youth pastor. Her attraction to him doesn't seem apparent initially but gradually intensifies as she seeks his attention and companionship. Scanlen’s embodiment of Jem’s journey from innocence to a fall from grace provides a palpable insight into the young girl’s bewilderment as she tries to make sense of her burgeoning feelings of love. Her character’s turmoil becomes evident in every aspect of her physicality. Whether it’s tear-stained cheeks or curled up in bed, thumb in mouth, regressing to a childlike state.
Scanlen’s interactions with her on-screen parents, Simpson and Schmidt, are fraught with tension and sorrow. As Jem, she assumes the role of caregiver to her younger siblings, a rebellious teenager attempting to exert control, and a vulnerable child who breaks down when reprimanded or confronted by her parents. Though Jem resonates more with her father, his withdrawal due to depression and alcohol leaves her feeling isolated. Their discussions about ego and selfishness hint at Jem's impending issues with her church dance group. The tension with her stoic and emotionally distant mother reflects the religious conflict between one questioning their life trajectory and a staunch believer adhering to a preordained path.
Parmet masterfully crafts a beautiful, albeit agonizing world in “The Starling Girl.” The audience is drawn into Jem’s tumultuous world through her direction, and her script lets us empathize with Jem's struggles. Parmet assembles a talented team, from Rebecca Dealy's adept casting to Brian Lannin’s cinematography. They capture the rural setting in all its splendor at various times of the day. This provides a sense of Jem’s expanding yet constrained world.
“The Starling Girl” resonates due to its precise focus on the protagonist. However, it also remains relatable to those unfamiliar with her experiences. The film is rich in detail, both about life in a devout community and what teenage rebellion looks like when simply asserting one’s individuality can warrant a reprimand from an elder. It juxtaposes Jem’s sense of confinement with her hopes and dreams, even as they evolve throughout the movie. Parmet’s collaboration with Scanlen is remarkable. They craft a narrative and character so captivating that the audience is rooting for Jem from her first misstep. We’re cheering for the Starling girl to embrace her true self even as she’s still figuring everything out.
