The Starling Girl 2023
Directed by
Laurel Parmet
Made by
Bleecker Street
Plot Summary
Jemima “Jem” Starling, a 17-year-old girl raised in a strict fundamentalist Christian community in Kentucky, grapples with her desire to adhere to her faith while navigating the expectations set by her parents, Paul and Heidi. As the eldest sibling, she is seen as a role model for her four younger brothers and sisters, particularly when it comes to the tradition of courting. Encouraged by her mother to get to know Ben Taylor, the pastor’s youngest son who harbors a crush on her, Jem finds him dull and immature, and her true passion lies in dance, where she performs with the church’s dance troupe.
After a humiliating incident during a performance when the pastor’s wife points out her visible bra, Jem escapes outside to cry. There, she encounters Owen, the pastor’s 28-year-old son and Ben’s older brother, who has just returned from missionary work in Puerto Rico. Having just resumed to the community, Owen asks Jem to keep his cigarette smoking a secret. With the dance troupe facing disbandment due to a lack of leadership, she is determined to take charge and persuades Owen to appoint her as its leader.
As this bond grows, Jem develops a crush on Owen, who has returned with a more relaxed approach to church doctrine. While others criticize her for dancing out of vanity, Owen appreciates her passion and provides much-needed encouragement. One evening, after an unsuccessful demonstration of a routine, Jem stays at the church and is found by Owen while praying. They share a tender moment when he gifts her seashell earrings and she bravely pierces her ears, leading to a heartfelt kiss, and their romantic relationship blossoms in secrecy. Owen gives her a burner phone for private communication, explaining that their connection feels alive and sincere, despite his troubled marriage with his wife, Misty.
However, Jem’s family life spirals into chaos when Paul, having a history of alcoholism, relapses and loses his job. During an emotional exchange, Jem discovers Paul used to sing in a band and continues to listen to his old music, which he keeps hidden. Meanwhile, tensions arise when Misty critiques the dance troupe’s performance, igniting Jem’s anger to the point where she vandalizes Misty’s car.
Owen confronts Jem about her outburst, leading to an unexpected visit from Misty that compels Jem to hide, but her escape nearly reveals their secret. As Jem confides in her younger sister Rebecca about their destined love, Owen expresses a desire to take a break from their affair. When Jem defies her father—who resides in a fragile state due to a failed marriage—problems worsen, culminating in his attempted suicide after a violent argument where he strikes her.
With Jem’s mother occupied at the hospital, Jem finds herself at a church cookout where desperation drives her to seek Owen’s attention, only to feel rejected. In a heated moment, she nearly drowns Ben in a chaotic struggle fueled by her emotions. When Heidi discovers the burner phone, tensions erupt, leading her to believe Jem is ruined and has fallen prey to evil influences. Desperate and heartbroken, Jem is sent to a disciplinary camp to rectify her perceived sins.
As she prepares to leave, Owen confesses he has left Misty and seeks to be with Jem, claiming he wishes to escape to Puerto Rico with her. Their defiance culminates in a physical confrontation with Jem’s mother, yet Jem chooses to follow her heart with Owen. They begin a new life together in a motel, where Jem discovers a hidden iPod belonging to her father. Motivated by nostalgia, she sneaks out alone to visit a bar in Memphis where her father once performed, dancing joyfully and embracing her newfound freedom.
Timeline
Jem's Upbringing
Jemima 'Jem' Starling, a 17-year-old girl, is raised in a strict fundamentalist Christian community in Kentucky. As the eldest sibling among four younger brothers and sisters, she feels the weight of expectations to be a role model, particularly when it comes to the tradition of courting.
Encouraged to Court
Jem's mother encourages her to become acquainted with Ben Taylor, the pastor's youngest son, who is infatuated with her. Despite Ben's feelings, Jem finds him to be dull and immature, revealing that her true passion lies in dance.
The Humiliating Incident
During a dance performance, Jem experiences a humiliating moment when the pastor's wife publicly points out her visible bra. Overwhelmed with embarrassment, Jem escapes outside to cry, marking a significant low point in her journey.
Meeting Owen
While outside, Jem encounters Owen, the pastor's 28-year-old son who has recently returned from missionary work in Puerto Rico. He confides in Jem, asking her to keep his secret about smoking cigarettes, establishing an initial bond between them.
Taking Charge of the Dance Troupe
With the church's dance troupe facing disbandment, Jem is determined to take charge and persuades Owen to appoint her as its leader. This act solidifies her desire to pursue her passion, revealing her strong-willed nature.
Growing Closer
As Jem and Owen's bond grows, she develops a crush on him, drawn to his more relaxed approach to church doctrine. Their connection deepens as Owen appreciates her passion for dance, providing the encouragement she desperately needs.
A Shared Moment
One evening, after a failed dance routine, Owen finds Jem at the church while she is praying. He gifts her seashell earrings, and in a tender moment, she pierces her ears, leading to their first kiss and the blossoming of a secret romance.
The Burner Phone
To maintain their secret relationship, Owen gives Jem a burner phone so they can communicate privately. He expresses that their connection feels genuine and alive, despite the complications arising from his troubled marriage to Misty.
Family Chaos
Jem's family life begins to unravel when her father, Paul, relapses into alcoholism and loses his job. During this turmoil, Jem discovers her father's hidden passion for music, creating a new understanding of her father's struggles.
Vandalism and Anger
After Misty criticizes the dance troupe's performance harshly, Jem's anger boils over, leading her to vandalize Misty's car. This act of rebellion highlights her growing frustration with her life and the constraints placed upon her.
Confrontation with Owen
After the vandalism, Owen confronts Jem about her actions, expressing concern for her well-being. Their encounter is interrupted by a surprise visit from Misty, forcing Jem to hide and almost exposing their secret relationship.
Heartbreak and Rejection
Jem confides her feelings about her love for Owen to her younger sister, Rebecca. However, Owen expresses a desire to take a break from their affair, adding to Jem's growing sense of heartache and desperation.
Attempted Suicide
As family tensions escalate, Paul attempts suicide following a violent argument with Jem. This tragic event reveals the fragility of their family dynamics and the impact of emotional turmoil on Jem's life.
Disciplinary Camp
After discovering the burner phone, Jem's mother believes she has fallen into ruin and sends her to a disciplinary camp to fix her 'sins'. This drastic measure reflects the community’s rigid adherence to their beliefs and the pressure on Jem.
A New Beginning
Just before Jem leaves, Owen confesses he has left Misty and wants to be with her, suggesting they escape to Puerto Rico. They confront Jem's mother, leading Jem to make a brave choice to pursue her love, beginning their lives together in a motel.
Embracing Freedom
While at the motel, Jem discovers an old iPod belonging to her father, sparking nostalgia. She sneaks out to visit a bar in Memphis where her father performed, dancing joyfully and embracing her newfound freedom as an individual.
Characters
Jemima 'Jem' Starling
Jem is a 17-year-old girl caught between her strict religious upbringing and her burgeoning passions. She is strong-willed and determined, especially when it comes to her love for dance. Throughout the film, Jem's journey toward self-acceptance and personal freedom is depicted as she navigates complex familial relationships and her secret romance.
Owen
Owen is the 28-year-old son of the pastor who returns from missionary work with a more relaxed view of faith. He becomes a source of encouragement for Jem, appreciating her passion while helping her explore her identity. His conflicted marital situation adds layers to his character, making him both a romantic hero and a figure of moral complexity.
Paul Starling
Jem's father, Paul is a man battling his own demons, including alcoholism. His struggles have a profound impact on Jem and the family dynamics. As he grapples with shame and regret, his character highlights the theme of personal failure and its effect on loved ones, bringing emotional depth to the family narrative.
Rebecca Starling
Rebecca is Jem's younger sister who represents innocence and the next generation of the Starling family. Her bond with Jem offers a glimpse into the familial love that contrasts with the harsh realities they face. As Jem confides in her, Rebecca's character underscores the importance of relationships in navigating adversity.
Setting
Time period
The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting current societal challenges and the struggle between personal desires and community expectations. The setting captures a moment of cultural tension where traditional values confront the complexities of personal identity and emotional expression.
Location
Kentucky, Puerto Rico, Memphis
The story unfolds primarily in a fundamentalist Christian community in Kentucky, known for its strict adherence to religious principles and traditional values. It also features Puerto Rico, a bright and vibrant location where Owen spent his missionary time, bringing a more liberal perspective on life back to Kentucky. Lastly, Memphis serves as a nostalgic backdrop that represents Jem's connection to her father's past and her own journey toward freedom.
Themes
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Forbidden Love
The theme of forbidden love is central to Jem's life as she navigates her feelings for Owen, which contradict societal norms and parental expectations. Their relationship is characterized by secrecy and longing, illustrating the struggles individuals face when love defies established boundaries. This theme resonates deeply as it explores the consequences of such a passionate yet problematic connection.
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Self-Discovery
Jem's journey is a profound exploration of self-discovery amidst the constraints of her upbringing. As she grapples with her identity and passion for dance, Jem's character demonstrates the importance of breaking free from societal expectations to uncover one's true self. This theme emphasizes personal growth and the courage it takes to pursue individual passions.
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Freedom and Rebellion
The quest for freedom and the spirit of rebellion permeate Jem's storyline. As she challenges her family's expectations and the oppressive environment of her community, Jem embodies the struggle for autonomy. Her acts of defiance, from her dance to her relationship with Owen, symbolize a yearning for liberation from the confines of strict norms.
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