‘Every Little Thing’ Review | Hummingbirds & Healers

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In a way that surpasses ordinary existence yet dwells within it, there are certain things that exude an otherworldly, spiritual, or whimsical quality. You might refer to this as the Kantian noumenon if you wish, though it’s entirely up to you. Hummingbirds are certainly among these extraordinary beings. These tiny creatures flap their wings about 50 times per second, on average (and even up to 80 beats per second), employing a complex figure-eight motion that generates turbulence beneath each wing. They resemble miniature drones as they can hover nearly motionless and move in any direction with grace. In terms of flight efficiency, they outperform helicopters. Due to their speed, you might not initially appreciate the sheer wonder and dreamlike quality they possess. However, once you witness them slowed down in the new film, Every Little Thing, I’m confident you’ll be convinced of their extraordinary nature.

Sally Aitken’s documentary, titled “Every Little Thing,” is a tranquil, emotional piece that focuses on Terry Masear, a hummingbird rehabilitator based in Los Angeles. Throughout her career, Masear has dedicated herself to helping people who find injured or abandoned hummingbirds, and she does her best to nurse them back to health if they’re critically ill. Most of her time is spent answering phone calls and directing kind-hearted individuals on how to help the birds they discover. However, this documentary delves into the rare instances when Masear personally takes care of the injured hummingbirds, each with their own name and story. As she helps these birds heal from their trauma and return to nature, she also finds solace and healing in the process. The film is a calming and unique experience.

On January 9th and 10th, at 6:30 p.m., Sally Aitken, the director of the film, along with its talented cinematographer who captures the hummingbird’s perspective, Ann Johnson Prum, will participate in a Q&A session for the movie at the IFC Center in New York City. You can find more details about this event here.

Bird Physician, Heal Thyself

The movie, titled Every Little Thing, maintains a casual structure devoid of melodrama or manipulative emotions, encouraging viewers to unwind, observe, and appreciate unanticipated instances of depth. To some extent, it delves into the character of Terry Masear, whose celebrated book, Fastest Things on Wings: Rescuing Hummingbirds in Hollywood, served as the basis for the film. Masear’s life, filled with intrigue and longevity, is one that could easily be exaggerated for dramatic effect; however, the movie sensibly skips over parts of her story.

From various sources – archival footage, home videos, etc., we gather some insights about Masear’s life. She describes it in a concise, cryptic manner. Her past is marked by severe childhood abuse and her mother’s inner struggles, yet we uncover only fragments of these hardships. After departing from home, she developed a profound affinity for nature following a LSD experience, although the specifics remain untold.

She finds herself in a romantic relationship with an older man named Frank, who seems to be instrumental in her healing and personal growth. Regrettably, we never learn his surname. We do know that Frank is no longer alive, and Masear resides alone – not in solitude, but contentedly.

By keeping things ambiguous, the film acquires a universal appeal, avoiding the trap of solely focusing on Masear’s story. Instead, it provides just enough insight to resonate deeply with her hummingbird conservation efforts. Each hummingbird she cares for arrives injured in diverse ways, and she dedicates her time and compassion to each one, offering them the gentleness and attention they require to possibly recuperate. In essence, Masear is reenacting her own life story with every hummingbird, acknowledging their silent pain and aiming to alleviate it. The result is a moving yet understated message that steers clear of being overly sentimental or absurd.

The Winning Personalities of Hummingbirds

In the captivating world of “Every Little Thing,” I find myself mesmerized by Masear, but the hummingbirds truly steal the show. Competing with these feathered marvels is no easy task; they are exceptional supporting actors. The heartfelt moments where Masear tends to them, chats with them, or encourages their flight are my favorite scenes.

We’re introduced to a close-knit troupe of hummingbirds undergoing rehabilitation together. There’s Cactus, who sustained a wing injury after flying into a cactus. Sugar Baby was found covered in sugar water, which has started eating away at his wings. Jimmy and the Sidney Twins are also part of this group, along with Wasabi and others.

In a rather unpretentious manner, cinematographers Nathan Barlow and Dan Freene capture intimate bird scenes indoors without unnecessary flair; they, along with Aitken, understand that the birds themselves are far more captivating than any elaborate visual style. What’s astonishing is the unique character traits each bird exhibits, going beyond the typical anthropomorphic interpretations viewers often apply to animals. Each bird carries its own set of traumas and varying stages of recovery, but there’s a certain spirit to each of them, whether in their wings or eyes, that feels individualistic and distinct.

An Incredible (but Sneaky) Look at Magical Creatures

In the film “Every Little Thing,” Ann Johnson Prum, one of the three cinematographers, expertly captured the stunning, slow-motion close-ups of hummingbirds. These enchanting instances are strategically placed within the movie, either during Masear’s narration or when Caitlin Yeo’s whimsical and emotional score plays, making the tiny birds’ transcendental nature particularly evident. This is reminiscent of Kant’s concept of noumena again.

Using the ideal mix of suitable lenses, frame speeds, and sensors, Prum and her Phantom camera effortlessly conjure a magical atmosphere in these compact scenes. The birds seem almost indistinguishable from computer-generated imagery (though they are definitely not CGI), yet more enchanting than any Disney animator has ever conceived. As you observe these instances, it’s impossible not to share Masear’s captivation and affection for the hummingbirds.

Every Little Thing appears to be slightly understated and serene, leaving one with a somewhat ethereal sensation by the conclusion. However, it manages to achieve what it intended and undeniably caters to a specific audience. It’s both profoundly human and subtly magical, offering an insightful perspective on Aves and a woman, portrayed with empathy and warmth. In a Flaherty-esque manner, the film is deceptively modest in its presentation (the “rehabilitation center” was actually a rental house for production purposes, and Masear resided in Portland when filming commenced). Nevertheless, these subtleties do not detract from the final product – a captivating, therapeutic movie about the wounded and their healers.

On January 10, 2025, the movie “Every Little Thing” will be showing in cinemas, courtesy of Kino Lorber. For further details about the film, including participating theaters and screening times, please visit this link. “Every Little Thing” is helmed by director Sally Aitken and produced by Bettina Dalton, with Anna Godas and Oli Harbottle serving as key cast members. The production is also overseen by executive producers David Guy Elisco, Sean B. Carroll, Alan Erson, and Michael Tear, under the banner of WildBear Entertainment.

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2025-01-09 21:34