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Magpie Funeral

  • 2023
  • 1h 28m
IMDb RATING
7.6/10
108
YOUR RATING
Darren E. Burrows in Magpie Funeral (2023)
MAGPIE FUNERAL follows Sy McMurphy DARREN BURROWS who is a bird lover, especially magpies. In fact Sy wants to witness a magpie funeral one day. Sy yearns to be a successful screenwriter, but for decades he has been sending screenplays to Hollywood directors with no success. For now, he has settled for an unsatisfactory job directing tedious shows for a local TV station. Randy DAVID WEISENBERG is Sy's boss at the station and long time nemesis who takes out his frustrations on Sy. Then one day Sy meets Nancy MEREDITH SHANK and her five year old daughter, Lisa ELIZABETH LEACH. Suddenly events are set in motion which defy Sy's convictions of love and success. The birds sing, a child dreams, Sy connects and searches for his purpose. It's a story we all can relate to. MagpieFuneralMovie.com
Play trailer2:21
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22 Photos
Drama

When Sy McMurphy's life is shattered by a sudden accident, he first feels the bite of mortality. Will he persevere at his quest against long odds and muster the will and courage to succeed i... Read allWhen Sy McMurphy's life is shattered by a sudden accident, he first feels the bite of mortality. Will he persevere at his quest against long odds and muster the will and courage to succeed in life and love?When Sy McMurphy's life is shattered by a sudden accident, he first feels the bite of mortality. Will he persevere at his quest against long odds and muster the will and courage to succeed in life and love?

  • Director
    • Greg Green
  • Writers
    • Greg Green
    • John T. Sweeney
  • Stars
    • Darren E. Burrows
    • Diane Sherry Case
    • Katherine Norland
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.6/10
    108
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Greg Green
    • Writers
      • Greg Green
      • John T. Sweeney
    • Stars
      • Darren E. Burrows
      • Diane Sherry Case
      • Katherine Norland
    • 16User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    Magpie Funeral Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:21
    Magpie Funeral Official Trailer

    Photos22

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    Top cast41

    Edit
    Darren E. Burrows
    Darren E. Burrows
    • Sy McMurphy
    Diane Sherry Case
    Diane Sherry Case
    • Gladys
    Katherine Norland
    Katherine Norland
    • Doctor
    Carrie Gibson
    Carrie Gibson
    • Cheryl
    Jermaine Alverez Martin
    Jermaine Alverez Martin
    • PA
    Jodi Russell
    Jodi Russell
    • Lilly
    Mario Di Donato
    Mario Di Donato
    • Ackerman
    Beege Barkette
    Beege Barkette
    • Mary
    David Weisenberg
    David Weisenberg
    • Randy
    Jim Patneaude
    Jim Patneaude
    • Driver
    Mark Newton
    Mark Newton
    • Cameraman
    Don DiPaolo
    Don DiPaolo
    • Robby
    Michael Bretten
    Michael Bretten
    • Telemarketer
    Brandon Frenkiel
    Brandon Frenkiel
    • Head Nurse
    Richard Allen
    Richard Allen
    • Limo Driver
    Jasmin Haugstuen Please
    • Jonnie
    Taylor Montana Catlin
    • Man
    Ethan Olson
    Ethan Olson
    • Cabaret Guest
    • Director
      • Greg Green
    • Writers
      • Greg Green
      • John T. Sweeney
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews16

    7.6108
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    Featured reviews

    10carolvhanley

    A Powerful Must See Story

    I went to see Magpie Funeral with little if any expectations and was both pleasantly surprised and blown away by the movie. Greg Green, the writer and director, has written a powerful story that will remain with you long after you leave the theater. Go and see this movie. It is one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time. You are in for a treat if you do!

    Without giving too much away, one of the main characters in the movie is Darren Burrows, who you will recognize from the television show Northern Exposure. He plays a character who loses his friend in a car accident, but despite the subject matter, Green has managed to write a humorous, heartfelt, and touching movie.

    A good part of the movie takes place in a cemetery where Burrows meets the other lead character in the movie played by Meredith Shank. Together with Burrows, she gives an outstanding performance. Although I didn't recognize the young girl who plays her daughter, I was impressed by her performance and know I will be seeing more of her in the future.

    I would suggest that If you don't know what a Magpie Funeral is, you might want to look it up before going to see the movie. But whatever you do, go see the movie!
    10techlowr

    Excellent Film

    I thought the characters brought the film story together beautifully. The start of the film confused me a little, but it didn't take long for it all to come together. The actors were great and the production and script held my attention. Darren Burrows and Meredith Shank had very believable performances. For being so young, Elizabeth Leach did a great job acting. I recognized the actress Katherine Norland from the DharMann videos! David Weisenberg played the man you love to hate. The film was filmed and edited well. The scenery was spectacular! A film I would recommend and watch again and again.
    10beckynicolaides

    An indie gem

    Magpie Funeral is a little gem of a film. It's the story of a man who loses his close friend in a car accident. He meets a young widow, and her daughter at the cemetery, and they develop a close, if unlikely friendship. When a misunderstanding unfolds around a project she's been working on, their friendship is put to the test.

    Although death and loss are a big part of the story, Magpie Funeral is a funny, touching film -- never a downer. It has great performances by Darren Burrows and Meredith Shank as the lead characters, and Elizabeth Leach does a wonderful turn as the daughter.

    Other standouts include David Weisenberg who plays an obnoxious boss and Mario DiDonato plays a very funny literary agent.

    This is a wonderful indie movie, with a heart.
    8tami_loves_noles

    A rare find - a hopeful film with actual actors.

    I am not a writer or in the film industry. Admittedly I chose this film when I learned Darren was in it. I was/am a huge Northern Exposure film and in 2025 some of the actors gathered for a weekly episode. My interest in those actors drove me to seek more recent work and voila - found this little gem. I love the film. No CGI, no superheroes, no childish themes, and conversely nothing offensive to gentle souls. The acting is strong, amusing when it should be, and warm throughout. The story is original and thoughtfully written. I took me a few minutes to catch on at the beginning but that speaks more to my short attention span. You will miss so many nuances if you multitask. Even though so many films allow that process. The way that death, grief, nature, etc. Were handled was heartfelt without being cliche. One other note.... I watched it before I read the reviews. That is what prompted me to write one of my own. I noticed that many, many people (or maybe a handful of lazy nuts) placed a downward thumb on all of the reviews. Taking the time to do that without writing a review, and there are no negative reviews, speaks volumes about you and your lack of ability to communicate with other humans. I assume you are the same ones who rated the film with 1, 2, 3, etc. Stars.
    10jodythang

    Excellent Movie! Would Watch Again!

    Saw this movie in Boise last month and what a beautiful story. A breath of fresh air. What a meaningful story! If you've lost anyone close to you then you know what this feels like...There is love, spark, humor and giddiness which is why I call this a breath of fresh air. Excellent job! Actors were great and Greg Green is awesome! Don't miss this Indie Film. Greg Green doesn't disappoint. If you want to see another movie of his "Three of a Kind" is also a good one. Lots of twists in this one. There is suspense, drama and an awesome story as well. These Directors and Actors deserve recognition as there hard work some times can never be measured!

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • August 1, 2023 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Filming locations
      • Los Angeles, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Cinema Partners I
      • Greg Green Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 28 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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