Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/bird-2024 (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/bird-2025 (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/bird-2025 (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/bird-2025 (Spain)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28277817/
About movie: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfilm/films/bird
Summary: "Bird" is a 2024 drama film directed and written by Andrea Arnold. It tells the story of Bailey, a twelve-year-old girl living in a run-down building with her irresponsible father, Bug, and half-brother, Hunter. Her life takes a turn with the arrival of Bird, a mysterious young man who is searching for his own family. The film explores themes of childhood, neglect, and the search for connection, blending social realism with elements of fantasy. The film is presented by BBC Film and the British Film Institute (BFI), among others.
Plot summary: Twelve-year-old Bailey lives a chaotic life with her father, Bug, a man covered in bug tattoos who dreams of getting rich quick, and her half-brother, Hunter. Bug announces his engagement to Kayleigh, whom he has known for only three months. Feeling neglected, Bailey forms a connection with Bird, a lost and enigmatic young man who appears to be searching for his own family after being abandoned. Bird's presence helps Bailey navigate her turbulent home life and her desire to escape her circumstances. The film follows Bailey's journey as she grapples with her father's erratic behavior, her mother's difficult relationship, and her own yearning for stability and belonging.
Director's Vision: Andrea Arnold, known for her handheld and naturalistic filmmaking style, aims to immerse the audience in Bailey's world, capturing the raw energy and instability of her life. The use of handheld camera work and a focus on sensory details are hallmarks of Arnold's approach. With "Bird," she blends her signature social realism with touches of magical realism, particularly through the character of Bird, to explore themes of escape and transformation.
Themes:
Childhood Neglect and Resilience
The Search for Connection and Belonging
Dysfunctional Family Dynamics
Escape and Transformation
The Blending of Reality and Fantasy
The Power of Imagination and Creativity
Key success factors:
Andrea Arnold's Acclaimed Directing
Nykiya Adams' Breakthrough Performance
Strong Supporting Cast
Visceral and Immersive Cinematography
Soundtrack by Burial
Critical Recognition at Cannes and Other Festivals
Summary short: "Bird" is a drama directed by Andrea Arnold about a neglected twelve-year-old girl named Bailey who finds an unusual connection with a mysterious young man named Bird, as they both navigate their respective searches for belonging and escape.
Awards and nominations: "Bird" has received 8 wins and 23 nominations, including a nomination for Outstanding British Film of the Year at the 2025 BAFTA Awards. It won Best Independent Film at the 2025 DiscussingFilm Critic Awards, Best Cinematography (Robbie Ryan) at the 2025 Irish Film and Television Awards, Young British/Irish Performer of the Year (Nykiya Adams) and the Douglas Sirk Award (Andrea Arnold) at the 2024 Hamburg Film Festival, Junior Jury at the 2024 Montclair Film Festival, Top Ten Independent Films by the 2024 National Board of Review, Breakthrough Artist (Nykiya Adams) at the 2024 Dublin Film Critics Circle Awards, and Best Supporting Performance (Franz Rogowski) at the 2024 British Independent Film Awards. It has also garnered numerous other nominations at prestigious awards ceremonies.
Critics reception:
Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds a high approval rating of 86% based on a significant number of reviews, indicating strong positive sentiment from a majority of critics.
Metacritic: The film has a "generally favorable" weighted average score of 74 out of 100, suggesting a solid consensus of positive reviews among mainstream critics.
Cinematary: This site offered a positive review, praising Andrea Arnold's direction, the performances of the lead actors, and the unique soundtrack by Burial, highlighting the film's thematic depth.
FilmSpeak: This review was more mixed, acknowledging the strengths of the performances and naturalistic dialogue but expressing disappointment with the film's shift into magical realism and finding the central metaphor somewhat uninspired.
Overall Summary: "Bird" has garnered largely positive reviews from critics, who have generally praised Andrea Arnold's directorial vision, the standout performance of Nykiya Adams, and the film's distinctive blend of social realism and fantastical elements. While some critics had reservations about the narrative's tonal shifts or the effectiveness of the magical realism, the overall critical reception indicates a well-regarded and thought-provoking film.
Reviews about movie online:
IMDb: On IMDb, "Bird" has a user rating of 7.0 out of 10, based on a substantial number of ratings. This suggests a generally positive reception from the online audience.
What they are saying: Online reviews and discussions about "Bird" often highlight the powerful and raw performance of Nykiya Adams as Bailey, with many considering it a breakout role. Andrea Arnold's signature directing style, characterized by handheld camerawork and a focus on realism, is frequently mentioned, with some viewers appreciating its immersive quality while others might find it challenging. The film's blend of social realism with fantastical elements, particularly the character of Bird, has been a significant point of discussion, with some finding it moving and metaphorical, while others are less convinced by its execution. The soundtrack by Burial is also often noted for adding a unique and atmospheric dimension to the film. Overall, online reviews indicate that "Bird" is considered a compelling and emotionally impactful film, though its more unconventional elements may not resonate with all viewers.
Box office: "Bird" has grossed $147,838 in the US & Canada and a total of $1,646,405 worldwide as of March 18, 2025.
Production : "Bird" is a UK-French-German-US co-production presented by BBC Film and the British Film Institute (BFI), and produced by Pinky Promise, FirstGen Content, Access Entertainment, and House Productions, in coproduction with Ad Vitam Production and Arte France Cinéma. This extensive list of production companies highlights the significant international collaboration and financial backing behind the film.
Production companies (name, country):
BBC Film (UK)
British Film Institute (BFI) (UK)
Pinky Promise (US)
FirstGen Content (US)
Access Entertainment (GB)
House Productions (GB)
Ad Vitam Production (France)
Arte France Cinéma (France)
Sales companies (name, country, sentence):
CAA Media Finance (US) - Sales representative for the United States (all media, 2024).
Cornerstone Films (GB) - Handles worldwide sales for "Bird" across all media;
Distribution companies (name, country, sentence):
Ad Vitam Distribution (France)
MUBI (UK)
MUBI (US)
Avalon (Spain) - All media distribution in Spain in 2024; avalon.me; 638059635.
Lucky Red (Italy) - All media distribution in Italy in 2024; luckyred.it; +39 06 37 59441; info@luckyred.it.
MFA+ FilmDistribution (Germany)
Why to recommend this movie:
Powerful Performance by Nykiya Adams
Andrea Arnold's Unique and Visceral Directing
Blend of Social Realism and Fantasy
Haunting Soundtrack by Burial
Critical Acclaim and Festival Recognition
Why to Watch Movie: (Previous reasons to watch remain relevant)
For Fans of Andrea Arnold's Previous Work
If You're Interested in Coming-of-Age Stories with a Twist
For a Blend of Emotional Realism and Subtle Fantasy
To Witness a Breakthrough Performance from a Young Actress
For an Immersive and Sensory Cinematic Experience
What Movie Trend film is following (name of the trend, summary): (Previous movie trend remains accurate)
Social Realism with Fantastical Elements. "Bird" aligns with a trend of filmmakers blending grounded social realism with elements of fantasy or magical realism to explore themes of escapism, hope, and the inner lives of characters facing difficult circumstances.
What Big Social Trend is following
Focus on the Experiences of Children in Marginalized Communities. The film reflects a growing social interest in portraying the realities and challenges faced by children growing up in poverty and unstable family environments, highlighting their resilience and the importance of finding connection and support.
Final Verdict: "Bird" is a compelling and emotionally resonant film from Andrea Arnold, anchored by a remarkable performance from newcomer Nykiya Adams. Its unique blend of social realism and fantasy, combined with a haunting soundtrack, creates a powerful and memorable cinematic experience that has garnered significant critical acclaim and recognition on the international film festival circuit.
Recommendations for filmmakers:
Consider Blending Genres to Enhance Emotional Impact
Prioritize Authentic and Naturalistic Performances
Utilize Cinematography and Sound Design to Create Atmosphere
Explore the Inner Lives of Children Facing Adversity
Don't Shy Away from Difficult or Uncomfortable Realities
Recommendations for movie industry:
Continue to Support Independent Filmmakers with Unique Visions
Provide Opportunities for Emerging Talent
Recognize the Value of Films That Blend Genres
Support International Co-productions
Ensure That Films Exploring Social Issues Reach Wide Audiences
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