The Starling Girl is a coming-of-age drama film from 2023, crafted by Laurel Parmet in her debut as a feature director. Set against the backdrop of a Christian fundamentalist community in Kentucky, it tells the story of Jemima “Jem” Starling (Scanlen), a 17-year-old grappling with her faith as she embarks on a forbidden romance with Owen Taylor (Pullman), a 28-year-old youth pastor trapped in an unhappy marriage. The Starling Girl is a flop at Box Office.
Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023, The Starling Girl was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize and made its theatrical debut in the United States on May 12, 2023. The film garnered critical acclaim, particularly for the outstanding performances of its cast and Parmet’s directorial vision. At the 39th Independent Spirit Awards, Parmet was recognized with a nomination for Best First Screenplay.
