Andrea Arnold’s Bird delves into the poignant, often harsh realities of childhood, capturing both the magic and trauma of growing up in a world that feels simultaneously grounded and faintly supernatural. In her small, rundown home in North Kent, Bailey (Nykiya Adams) lives a modest life with her father, Bug (Barry Keoghan), and brother, Hunter (Jason Buda). Her routine is disrupted when her father announces his impending marriage, prompting Bailey to rebel and run from her responsibilities. Amid her misadventures, she meets a mysterious stranger named Bird (Franz Rogowski), who claims to be searching for his lost family. Their paths intersect multiple times, each seeking answers to their internal and external conflicts.
Arnold’s fascination with intimacy and space shines through in Bird. The 16mm film captures the slum area of London with a vibrant warmth, transforming what might seem like a bleak environment into a place of hidden beauty and potential. The film’s hazy, ethereal quality highlights Bailey’s yearning for freedom and the melancholy of her entrapment. Arnold celebrates the magical nature of their surroundings, adding a surreal layer to the narrative without descending into pity or despair. Bird’s first appearance, heralded by a gust of wind through a barren field, introduces a touch of the supernatural that weaves through the story, enhancing its engrossing quality.
Despite the film’s strong emotional core, it occasionally falters due to a sense of stalled momentum. Focusing on Bailey’s perspective limits the depth of other characters, resulting in an emotional distance that can feel disconnected. While this might reflect Bailey’s mental state, rebelling against a world that restricts her, it can also mute the catharsis intended for these relationships. The exception lies in her final moments with Bird, which offer the most poignant resolution. The supporting characters, while not as deeply explored, benefit from strong performances that add layers of complexity to their interactions with Bailey.
Nykiya Adams makes an impressive debut, embodying the realistic angst of a young woman struggling to find her place. Her performance is subdued yet powerful, avoiding clichéd outbursts for a more relatable portrayal. Barry Keoghan delivers one of his best performances, avoiding the pitfalls of an oafish father and instead presenting Bug with a caring, albeit flawed, personality. Franz Rogowski plays Bird with a duality that balances flighty playfulness with deep sorrow, making him a compelling counterpart to Bailey. Jason Buda, though given less screen time, adds charm and depth to his role as Hunter.
Bird captures the tumultuous journey of youth crashing against the hurdles of adulthood. Arnold’s directorial choices vividly illustrate this landscape, and the cast provides brilliant performances. While the narrative sometimes struggles to deliver the impact it seeks, it remains compelling in its depiction of perseverance and internal strength. The film’s commentary on youthful transgressions maturing into a need for belonging resonates deeply, making it a significant addition to Arnold’s filmography.
Arnold’s Bird is a gritty story of emotional poverty intertwined with a fairytale-like narrative, capturing the essence of childhood’s fleeting magic amidst harsh realities. It’s a feel-bad movie that transitions into a feel-good one, challenging viewers to find authenticity in its raw depiction of life’s complexities. While it may not fully satisfy all audiences, it stands as a testament to Arnold’s unique vision and ability to find beauty in the bleakest of circumstances.