Bird (2024)

Do you remember what it felt like to be a teenager? The angst of change, the way life speeds up while slamming into the harsh walls of adulthood… Andrea Arnold’s Bird transforms these collisions into an experience that is felt rather than merely seen, capturing the hyperspeed of growing up and the unavoidable shadows of reality with remarkable finesse. Bird is more than a screenplay; it is a collection of stories that connect with the truths buried within the audience.

Arnold’s mastery behind the camera breathes life into this tale. The line between reality and dream blurs through the eyes of Lark (Nykiya Adams), rendering the story both poignant and mesmerizing. The film collides the explosive energy of youth with the stillness of adulthood, giving us a glimpse of Lark’s anarchic escapes into her imagination.

Bird is brimming with moments that showcase the magic of friendship in its purest form. Through quirky, chaotic, and even slightly rebellious lenses, the film portrays human relationships in ways that linger long after the credits roll. Case in point: Barry Keoghan serenading a toad with Coldplay’s Yellow. Yes, you read that right. It’s bizarre, yet beautiful, and a reminder of how fragile yet profoundly deep human connections can be.

Arnold opts for a fragmented and jagged narrative instead of traditional storytelling, pulling the viewer into Lark’s world. The interstitials of video footage captured by the characters reveal intimate glimpses of their inner lives, adding yet another layer of connection. These moments are woven with instances of broken spirits finding solace in each other, offering compassion and hope. At one point, a touch of magical realism might alienate some viewers, but the metaphorical power of this scene is undeniably striking.

Even the film’s silences speak volumes. The unspoken words between Lark and her mother or the emptiness in Rogowski’s gaze communicate emotions that dialogue alone could never convey. Arnold doesn’t treat these silences as empty spaces; rather, they are brimming with meaning and tension.

With her long-awaited return to fiction filmmaking, Andrea Arnold once again restores our faith in cinema. Nykiya Adams delivers a stunning breakout performance, bolstered by the spirited and electric turns of Barry Keoghan and Franz Rogowski. Bird takes the overlooked fringes of life and soars toward sky-high dreams. In many ways, Bird is like being part of the new generation—reshaping the rules while unapologetically staying true to yourself.

As we approach the final scenes of Bird with mixed but warm feelings, we invite you to a playlist inspired by the film: