Bird Review | Andrea Arnold Soars to New Heights

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As a seasoned cinephile who has witnessed the cinematic evolution of Andrea Arnold from her groundbreaking works like “Fish Tank” and “Wuthering Heights”, I must say that “Bird” is an extraordinary addition to her oeuvre. This film, much like its titular character, is a complex, enigmatic creature that demands your attention and leaves you pondering long after the credits roll.

If you’re longing for a captivating drama with an enigmatic performance by Barry Keoghan, where he sports tattoos and orchestrates a drug dealer crew to sing Coldplay in an attempt to charm a real-life toad, then look no further! The filmmaker Andrea Arnold has just the perfect feature for you. This film, titled Bird, might be the talk of awards season, but it seems that the unique, indie vibe of this production could be too unconventional for the Academy to recognize. That’s a pity, considering Franz Rogowski, a strong performer who impressed in “Passages,” delivers another stunning and award-worthy performance as the film’s cherished protagonist.

Indeed, Barry Keoghan, the mesmerizing Irish actor, delivers a compelling performance in his role as a father of several children by various mothers. In the film “Bird“, the child, Bailey, played powerfully by rising star Nykiya Adams, takes center stage. Adams’ raw and emotionally profound portrayal will leave you emotionally stirred by the end. “Bird” has been showcased in numerous festivals this year, including Cannes, and is a must-see for cinephiles eager to witness the finest films of the year. Once again, the visionary director Arnold offers fresh inspiration, drawing on themes of class, adolescence, and sexuality that were also present in her remarkable works like “Fish Tank” and the underappreciated “Wuthering Heights“.

Spread the Word About Bird

People who are accustomed to Arnold’s films may find that they need a good deal of commitment, and some might argue that compared to certain independent filmmakers, her movies have become increasingly complex. It’s worth noting that Arnold’s last major production, “American Honey“, ran for 2 hours and 45 minutes (which, looking back, doesn’t seem so extraordinary). Both this film and the current release, “Bird“, are characterized by their cinematography, which is intentionally disorienting yet artistically captivating, much like the work of Paul Greengrass or the Dogme 95 movement.

In the movie titled “Bird”, Arnold swiftly plunges us into the chaotic and unsettling life of Bailey and her vibrant clan, including her father Bug (Keoghan), whose moniker seems fitting given the title of the film. Interestingly, his venture in the drug world revolves around capturing a live toad, said to produce a hallucinogenic substance under specific care. This part of the story takes on fantastical elements that we won’t reveal here. Keoghan, delivering lines in his local dialect, brings numerous laughs to this cinematic spectacle unfolding in a struggling region of the U.K.

As a movie enthusiast, I found Bailey’s character to be the standout in this film. She ventures on an enlightening journey of self-discovery, frequently finding herself alone amidst dubious groups such as the local teenage gang. Aren’t we all reminiscent of our past, when we too attempted to fit in, even if it meant associating with a questionable crowd, as we naively tried to be cool while navigating adolescence and eventually adulthood?

Franz Rogowski Deserves All the Awards

After the unruly group doesn’t work out for Bailey, she accidentally encounters a lively solitaire named Bird (Rogowski) on the town’s edge. He comments to her, “Isn’t it lovely?” after making himself known. When she wonders what he’s talking about, he just responds, “Today.” This remark piques Bailey’s curiosity, and a charming friendship develops as she assists Bird in finding his long-lost relatives.

Using a name like “Bird,” one might anticipate there’s something unique about this character, and indeed, his deep-seated desire to uncover the mysteries of his lost childhood mirrors Bailey’s personal growth journey, which echoes her own incomplete childhood experience. Her family life, unfortunately, doesn’t offer her the typical childlike experiences, making her seem wiser than her years. This wisdom could be a result of having to mature prematurely due to her parents’ past and ongoing neglect.

12-year-old Bailey has spent her life alongside her half-brother Hunter (Jason Buda), who, at 14 years old, is about to become a father soon with his girlfriend. They all live in a rundown housing complex that Bailey shares with her fiancée Kailey, whom Bailey plans to marry very soon. This rapid turn of events has left Bailey feeling anxious since they’ve only been dating for three months. To make matters worse, one morning marks the start of Bailey’s puberty, and she receives her first tampon – a lot is happening for this young girl all at once.

Bird Has an Ending That Will Shake You Up

The third act culminates in a dramatic fashion, carrying the somber tone common to many of Arnold’s productions. However, amidst this grim backdrop, a spark of heroism and victory emerges as we witness Bailey discovering her place in a harsh world. Be prepared for an emotionally charged finale; it will likely tug at your heartstrings with its poignant mix of sorrow and optimism.

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2024-11-04 07:02