Andrea Arnold’s “Bird” marks a return to the director’s British roots, departing from the transatlantic escapades of “American Honey” to delve once more into the raw, unvarnished portrayal of British youth. Premiering at Cannes, this film promises a visceral exploration of despair, resilience, and the fragile bonds that emerge amidst adversity.
Bird: Release Date, Cast, Plot, Review, & More
Bird Release Date
Bird was shown at the Berlin International Film Festival’s European Film Market. Cornerstone Films was in charge of sales. The movie was chosen for the main competition at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. It had its world premiere there on May 16, 2024.
Plot Overview
In “Bird,” audiences are thrust into the tumultuous life of Bailey, a 12-year-old girl ensnared in a web of neglect and dysfunction. From a father figure, Bug, consumed by tattoos and apathy, to a menacing stepfather and a half-brother entrenched in a vigilante gang, Bailey’s existence is a bleak canvas painted with shades of despair.
Cast
The cast of the 2024 movie “Bird” by Andrea Arnold includes.
- Barry Keoghan as Bug
- Franz Rogowskias as Bird
- Nykiya Adams as Bailey
- Jason Buda as Hunter
- Jasmine Jobson as Peyton
- Joanne Matthews as Debs
- James Nelson-Joyce as Skate
- Sarah Beth Harber as Dionne’s Mum
Barry Keoghan’s portrayal of Bug, the tattooed single father devoid of paternal instincts, is a haunting embodiment of neglect and self-destruction. His pale upper body, adorned with inked creatures, serves as a visual testament to his inner turmoil. Keoghan infuses Bug with a magnetic yet unsettling presence, leaving an indelible mark on the narrative.
Opposite Keoghan stands Franz Rogowski as Bird, a peculiar stranger with a delicate sensitivity and an enigmatic allure. Rogowski’s performance radiates vulnerability, his character serving as a beacon of hope amidst the desolation of Bailey’s world. Their unlikely friendship forms the heart of the film, offering a fragile respite from the harsh realities of their surroundings.
At its core, “Bird” grapples with themes of emotional poverty, disillusionment, and the search for redemption. Andrea Arnold’s intimate handheld camerawork immerses viewers in Bailey’s world, capturing the silent despair etched upon her face and the desolate landscapes she traverses. The film’s narrative, akin to a coming-of-age fairy tale, intertwines elements of fantasy with the harshness of reality, blurring the lines between dreams and desperation.
Arnold’s directorial prowess shines through in every frame of “Bird,” her raw-boned craftsmanship infusing the narrative with a palpable sense of intimacy and authenticity. From the gritty urban landscapes to the hauntingly beautiful imagery of Bailey’s cell-phone videos, Arnold captures the essence of British miserablism with unflinching precision.
“Bird” has garnered mixed reviews since its premiere at Cannes, with critics praising Arnold’s empathy and integrity while questioning the film’s tonal shifts and narrative coherence. Some have lauded the performances of Keoghan and Rogowski, hailing them as the film’s saving grace, while others have criticized the forced resolution and perceived lack of authenticity.
Bird Movie 2024 is Available on Netflix?
The movie “Bird” (2024) directed by Andrea Arnold is not available on Netflix or other platforms yet.
Film Summary
“Bird” stands as a compelling yet flawed exploration of despair, resilience, and the transformative power of human connection. Andrea Arnold’s return to her British roots offers a haunting portrait of youth adrift in a sea of hopelessness, buoyed by moments of fleeting tenderness and redemption. While not without its flaws, “Bird” remains a poignant reminder of the enduring human spirit amidst the darkest of circumstances.