Theodore Melfi serves as both director and producer for Netflix’s The Starling. The film first premiered at TIFF this year and be released in select theaters on September 17. The Starling will then become available to stream on Netflix starting September 24.

After Lilly (Melissa McCarthy) suffers a loss, a battle with a territorial bird (The Starling) over dominion of her garden provides an unlikely avenue for her grief and the courage to heal her relationships and rediscover her capacity for love.

Melfi is best known for his work on Hidden Figures, St. Vincent, Huck, and Winding Roads.

Melfi and I spoke about what attracted him to the project, what challenges he faced while directing The Starling, what he hopes audiences learn from the film, and more! Watch my interview below to hear everything he shared.