This is a first rate coming of age story that benefits both from excellent direction and writing but primarily from an amazing, nuanced performance by Eliza Scanien in the lead role of Jem Starling. Do yourself a big favor and watch this sensitive, intelligent film.

The movie resonated with me. I am Jem, but the organist version in a very conservative church. And fell in love with an older guy too

The Starling Girl is a beautiful film. The writer/director mentioned at Sundance that the film was partially based on her personal story, which is part of what makes it so compelling. The film was nuanced and authentic and raw, and Eliza Scanlen was amazing as Jem. Lewis Pullman is nearly unrecognizable and performs his role so well.

Character study of characters that do not have much depth in a story that lacks emotion and dramatic punch.

Despite an unnecessary final scene that feels like it's from another movie, this is a film that until that point was authentic and felt like it was totally possible. Later, when I read that the writer directer was studying evangelicals and she softened the story, I was actually disappointed. Such is life. Still, this is totally worth seeing. A very respectful view of the community is on display by Laurel Parmet who is making her debut as a feature filmmaker. Eliza Scanlen puts her skills on display once again. She's playing about five years younger effortlessly and credibly. Lewis Pullman is a future star. The duo have a chemistry and there are on screen a lot together. Final Score: 7.1/10

Beautiful portrayal of a girl growing up and the excruciating pain and hurt that comes from rejection and shame around not following the status quo. I can feel all the emotions of this movie and stunned at how realistic and thought provoking it is around a first love.

Jem's life was so weighted down with control it was a wonder she could move at all. Racing toward Owen's car with her duffel bag was the smartest thing she ever did. It was a powerful moment. Throwing off everything for the man you love. Risking all of it. She even surprised herself. But her twirling around in Arlene"s bar at the end left me questioning her maturity.

It was a pretty good movie with a decent plot and acting. I must say I was disappointed with the ending as it seemed to be phoned in. It's worth the watch.

I couldn't help but notice the main lead's subtle reactions throughout this relentlessly consistent breathless of a viewing. The cinematographer did a good job capturing her face to convey any concerning message. The acting from the main lead was flawless. Everyone in this movie was good along with a powerful movie. It was well-paced for the runtime.

The body of the movie is good; However the ending could have been more conclusive. I understand why it ended that way; But it could have been better.

very good movie !!! you guys should watch this fantastic movie !!

A deeply intimate look into secret romance, superbly placing viewers into the subjective sensations. Oftentimes achiving the suspence of great thrillers, as the perceived "crime" unfolds. Great achievment!

In this day, one almost hates to saddle a feature-film debut with too-effusive praise because it is the nature of the Internet to push back on anything enthusiastic. But, hey, bravas to Parmet and star Eliza Scanlen.

I wouldn't say it was fun to watch, but the message is important.

As the first feature by writer-director Laurel Parmet, "The Starling Girl" announces a promising, amazingly assured new talent. Like another recent debut, Jamie Dack's "Palm Trees and Power Lines," this closely observed drama of a girl's inner life pays equal respect to the heroine's vulnerability and her impulsive agency. Handsomely filmed by cinematographer Brian Lannin to make the most of Kentucky's languid summer light, "The Starling Girl" possesses methodical, unhurried pacing reminiscent of such similar classics as "Smooth Talk" and "The Virgin Suicides." Like all good directors, Parmet is confident enough to know that atmosphere, emotional tone and unspoken feeling can convey far more meaning than the talkiest of dialogue.

Nice and highly recommended.

At one point I had to stop the movie and google whether the movie had been written by a man. It was so completely out of touch with what a relationship between this 17 year old girl and her youth minister would be. It was blind to any sort of believable reality. This movie has incredible reviews. It is lousy. Really poor. Moreover, it is poorly written. The filming is masterful. Soundtrack too. Casting, as well. It's the story. The story is ridiculously bad and unbelievable. Even with the brilliant leads. This ranks as one of the worst movies I've seen in a year or so.

This is a badly disguised attempt to put down a belief system, horrible writing, the actress is great, she could go far.

It's an interesting teen drama that is well made. Tackles issues with relationships, religion, and parenthood with a fresh perspective. Love that it sort of pokes holes in each issue and leaves it up to you to draw conclusions.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭 is a quite impressive debut film by writer/director Laurel Parmet. It shows the confidence and skill Parmet has already as a young filmmaker and adds her to a growing list of recent directors and writers who made made strong first full-length films. There's great sensitivity, empathy and realism to the story of Jem, whose sexual awareness and youthful desire for romantic love clashes with the fundamental religious culture she was raised in and is herself devoted to following. One element to the story is the dance worship to community implements in their service to express their devotion. For Jem, the dancing is very important to her for such expression, and she becomes leader of the troop. It becomes a way to signpost Jem's self-discovery. As she gets into this relationship with Owen and has a sexual awakening, her dance moves become more expressive and sensual. You can see how this change is a bit off-putting to the other girls in the troop, down to the music Jem chooses, with its loud, out front drums. Strong performances are seen through the main roles of Jem (Eliza Scanlan), her mother and father (Wrenn Schmidt & JImmi Simpson), and Lewis Pullman as the older love interest Owen. Scanlan very authentically brings to the screen Jem, with the naivete, wonder and uncertainty of a 17-yr. old raised in a very sheltered culture. Pullman's Owen is great, too, showing him as the Youth leader with the emphasis on 'youth', as he seems immature even for a 28 yr. old husband who has served as a youth minister. Schmidt is especially good, too, as a mothe very much embedded in the beliefs of her community who comes to see the hypocrisy and judgement of the church. Nice to see Simpson as this vulnerable, loving figure rather than some evil even psychotic guy he often plays. And Austin Abrams is striking as this poor kid who seems to have been so sheltered and tethered that he has no idea how to begin 'courting' Jem at all. The scene on the swings says so much about who they are in age, inexperience, and uncertainty. Nice work by Parmet and co. 3.4 stars