Upon its release on , the film received largely unfavorable reviews from professional critics:
: A territorial starling nesting in Lilly's garden begins attacking her, serving as a blunt metaphor for the uncontrollable and aggressive nature of her internal sorrow. Her attempts to "battle" the bird mirror her attempts to regain control over her life. The Starling (2021)
The narrative is a "parable of the grieving process" that uses an extended avian metaphor: Upon its release on , the film received
: The story explores the diverging paths of grief. While Lilly (played by Melissa McCarthy ) stoically attempts to maintain their home and work a retail job, Jack (played by Chris O'Dowd ) is admitted to a psychiatric facility following a breakdown. While Lilly (played by Melissa McCarthy ) stoically
(2021) is an American comedy-drama directed by Theodore Melfi and written by Matt Harris . The film follows a married couple, Lilly and Jack Maynard, as they struggle to navigate life and their relationship a year after the sudden death of their infant daughter. Core Themes and Plot
: Lilly seeks guidance from Dr. Larry Fine ( Kevin Kline ), a former psychologist turned veterinarian. Their unlikely sessions help her process her loss and work toward reconnecting with Jack. Critical Reception