The Starling Girl 2023

Movie · 117 min · English · January 21, 2023

Directed by Laurel ParmetWritten by Laurel Parmet

Starring Eliza Scanlen, Lewis Pullman, Jimmi Simpson, Wrenn Schmidt, Kyle Secor

A 2023 American coming-of-age drama film, The Starling Girl was written and directed by Laurel Parmet in her first feature directorial effort. The movie features Eliza Scanlen, Lewis Pullman, Jimmi Simpson, Wrenn Schmidt, and Austin Abrams. Set within a Christian fundamentalist setting in Kentucky, the story centers on Jemima "Jem" Starling (Scanlen), a 17-year-old girl navigating conflicts with her faith. Her journey intertwines with Owen Taylor (Pullman), an 28-year-old youth pastor in an unhappy marriage, as they begin a forbidden relationship.

The Starling Girl made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023, earning a Grand Jury Prize nomination. It opened in theaters across the United States on May 12, 2023. Critics praised the film's acting and direction by Parmet. At the 39th Independent Spirit Awards, Parmet was recognized with a Best First Screenplay nomination.