Andrea Arnold immerses audiences in her latest cinematic exploration, delivering a raw and unfiltered portrayal of life that encompasses a broad spectrum of emotions. Bird centers on the tumultuous coming-of-age journey of a 12-year-old girl living in Southeast England, highlighting her complex friendship with an enigmatic stranger. This film intricately weaves together the gritty details of her surroundings and the abstract concepts of perception and reality. This self-reflexive narrative serves as both the film’s most captivating strength and its greatest flaw, showcasing a poignant exploration of what the camera can capture and what remains elusive.

Known for her distinctive roaming lens, Arnold has consistently examined the beauty and struggles of rural and suburban landscapes. In Bird, her first fiction film in nearly a decade, she pushes the boundaries of aesthetic expression. However, at times, her handheld cinematography leans towards chaos rather than clear exploration, often shrouding the narrative rather than illuminating it. Thankfully, her talented cast contributes enough emotional depth and vulnerability to compensate for these visual missteps, ensuring that the film resonates even amidst its stylistic turbulence.

While the film may struggle to create a cohesive narrative, its individual moments shine brightly, with some scenes approaching a near-divine quality. These fragments serve as a reminder that even a film that falls short of perfection can still elevate itself above the mundane, demonstrating Arnold’s inherent talent as a filmmaker.

Unpacking the Narrative of Bird: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Bailey, portrayed by newcomer Nykiya Adams, is a tough and resilient 12-year-old biracial Black girl navigating the challenges of life with her young, troubled white father, Bug (played by Barry Keoghan, known for Saltburn). They reside in a run-down apartment complex in Gravesend, Kent, a name that reflects their bleak prospects. Despite their dire circumstances, Bug harbors dreams of a wedding celebration that he cannot afford, complicating their already strained existence. As Bailey struggles with the impending arrival of Bug’s new fiancée, Kayleigh (Frankie Box), and her infant daughter, she seeks solace in joining her half-brother Hunter’s (Jason Buda) vigilante group, showcasing her desire for belonging and agency in a world that often feels oppressive.

Arnold’s storytelling often employs a subtle, almost fleeting approach when establishing the intricate relationships between characters. These connections are often revealed through rapid, muffled conversations that require the audience’s keen attention. This technique is purposeful, illustrating the youth and inexperience of Bug as a father, as well as the fractured dynamics within their family. The ambiguity surrounding Bug’s relationships with Hunter and Bailey adds to the complexity, leaving audiences questioning their familial ties while highlighting the struggles of a father unprepared for the responsibilities of parenthood.

Hunter, along with his frail companions, engages in a makeshift form of justice by targeting domestic abusers and broadcasting their attacks on social media. While this storyline could warrant its own exploration, it serves only as a fleeting detail in Arnold’s jagged narrative landscape. Despite its eventual significance to the plot and thematic relevance, this subplot hints at deeper moral dilemmas that Bailey grapples with, yet remains largely unexplored, leaving viewers longing for a more profound engagement with these pressing issues.

After being excluded from her brother’s dangerous escapades for her safety, Bailey encounters Bird (Franz Rogowski, known for Passages), a quirky and friendly individual who claims to be searching for his long-lost parents. This intriguing introduction adds a layer of mystery to the film, but, similar to other plot threads, Bird’s storyline is only partially explored, reflecting the film’s broader theme of ephemeral connections and fleeting moments of hope.

Franz Rogowski’s Performance Infuses Bird with Hope and Light

Credit: Robbie Ryan / Courtesy of MUBI

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From his first appearance, Rogowski’s character infuses a gentle warmth into the harsh reality of Bailey’s life, creating a striking contrast that captivates viewers. Their connection is built on shared experiences and identities; Bird challenges traditional gender norms with his flowing skirt, paralleling Bailey’s short hair and assertive demeanor. Their meeting takes place in the vast emptiness of a solitary field, symbolizing their mutual escape from the burdens of their respective lives. Bird embodies a sense of hope and possibility that often eludes Bailey amidst her difficult circumstances.

Bird’s quiet smile and genuine kindness feel alien to Bailey, who is accustomed to a harsher reality. Rogowski masterfully portrays Bird as a character who embodies optimism, whether through his hopeful quest for family or simply due to his inherent nature. This rejection of cynicism serves as a crucial counterbalance to the darker themes of the film, allowing audiences to feel a glimmer of hope amid the turmoil.

As Bailey begins documenting Bird with her phone, capturing his essence and projecting his image onto her bedroom wall, he transforms from a mere character into a symbolic representation of her aspirations. At times, he appears like an ethereal being, perched on rooftops and looking down upon her, emphasizing his almost angelic presence. His graceful demeanor provides a much-needed respite in both Bailey’s life and the overall narrative, offering a breath of fresh air that rejuvenates the story.

Exploring the Self-Reflexive Nature of Bird and Its Visual Storytelling

Credit: Courtesy of MUBI

Despite the film’s exploration of Bailey’s artistic tendency to capture the world around her, this theme remains underdeveloped, even though Bird shines brightest when it aligns with her unique perspective. The photos and videos Bailey creates offer a stark contrast to her chaotic environment, prompting viewers to question whether she is projecting her gentleness onto the world or discovering it in unexpected places. This intriguing idea goes largely unexamined, leaving audiences yearning for a deeper exploration of her artistic vision.

Arnold typically excels at illustrating the subtle rhythms and hidden nuances of her settings, yet the framing in Bird often feels disorienting, creating a sense of nausea rather than clarity. The film’s rapid pacing and frenetic energy prevent it from lingering on its compelling imagery, undermining the character’s point of view, even as it delves into her family dynamics. This chaotic presentation detracts from the potential impact of Bailey’s perspective, leaving audiences with a sense of missed opportunities.

Nevertheless, Bird’s mysterious presence, as seen through Bailey’s eyes, retains an enchanting quality that allows Arnold to maintain a delicate balance between observation and narrative coherence. As the film progresses, teenage drama intertwines with elements of magical realism, brought to life by the curious behavior of animals. These whimsical occurrences can be dismissed as coincidences, yet they are framed with enough charm to invite speculation about the film’s deeper meaning and the nature of reality within its world.

Ultimately, whether Bird symbolizes some form of divinity or possesses extraordinary qualities becomes secondary to Bailey’s ability to recognize and embrace this magic. However, as the narrative unfolds, it veers into overly literal interpretations, sacrificing moments of intrigue for clarity. This shift diminishes the impact of even the most uplifting scenes, despite Rogowski’s mesmerizing performance that captivates viewers throughout.

Bird is currently screening in theaters, showcasing Arnold’s thought-provoking storytelling.

UPDATE: Nov. 8, 2024, 9:19 a.m. EST Bird was originally reviewed out of its NewFest premiere in New York. This article has been republished for its theatrical debut.