Review: Is ‘Starfish’ a metaphor for grief?

With reality rapidly fraying at the edges, Aubrey finds herself following a string of clues left after the death of her best friend. Clues leading to a mysterious signal that could save the world.

Starfish is one hell of a trip. This film boasts one of the coolest soundtracks, some sick CG, outstanding acting, an anime sequence, and one weird ass storyline. I’m still not entirely sure what happens in this film but I know I loved it at every turn and have been talking about it nonstop for days. Our leading lady, Virginia Gardner is phenomenal. Every performance challenge you could face as an actress she tackles with complexity that feels grounded and relatable. This film is quite the feat from every angle. The editing makes this pretty delicious to watch. There is never a dull moment and I was absolutely living for the next beat. It deals with isolation, denial, depression, fear, and regret in the most unique ways. The visual playground that is Starfish is reason alone to watch. Below you will find the trailer. This is a small taste of the magic you are in for with Starfish. I’m going to need a sequel at the very least. Even better, can we expand this world into a series? I have so many questions and I crave more. You can check out Starfish now in select theaters. It will be available on VOD in May.

Starfish Trailer from Yellow Veil Pictures on Vimeo.

📼 Coming to select theaters across the US this March, VOD May 28th 📼

For theatrical listing please consult:

Director A.T. White in attendance at special screenings

In Starfish Virginia Gardner (Halloween 2018, Marvel’s The Runaways) stars as Aubrey, a young woman suffering from the death of a close friend. When a mysterious signal from an unknown dimension summons the end of days, it appears as if only Aubrey is left on earth. Trapped in the apartment of her recently deceased best friend, the only clue she has is a single cassette left behind after her friends death, labeled: “THIS MIXTAPE WILL SAVE THE WORLD.”

Thrust into a mystery orchestrated by her friend and stricken with grief, Aubrey begins to piece the clues together, uncovering a series of tapes all with pieces of the mystery signal. Along the way, progress is impeded when monstrous creatures begin to overrun the world and enclose in on her. Aubrey is forced to fight off the encroaching creatures and move beyond her own crippling grief in order to find the remaining tapes. But will completing the signal save the world?

Director A.T. White (part of the popular UK band Ghostlight) composed the captivating score, while the film’s soundtrack features songs from Sigur Rós, Sparklehorse, Why? and more, creating a unique audio landscape that matches Starfish‘s apocalyptic world.

STARFISH is written and directed by A.T. White and produced by We Are Tessellate, Spellbound Entertainment and 3ROUNDBURST Productions. The film stars Virginia Gardner (Blumhouse’s HALLOWEEN, Hulu’s Runaways) and features supporting performances from Christina Masterson (Power Rangers Megaforce), Eric Beecroft, Natalie Mitchell and Tanroh Ishida. Starfish will be released on VOD later this year by 1091 Media’s The Orchard.