Barry Keoghan and Nykiya Adams are exceptional in British drama Bird

As a seasoned gamer of both virtual and real-life narratives, I must say that Andrea Arnold’s “Bird” is a cinematic masterpiece that seamlessly blends reality with surrealism, making it an unforgettable journey for any viewer.

In Andrea Arnold’s remarkable new film, “Bird” (2024), we witness the blending of realistic social themes with a whimsical journey of self-discovery – making it one of the standout British productions of the year.

Showcasing an outstanding first appearance by Nykiya Adams, alongside captivating and charming side performances from Barry Keoghan and Franz Rogowski, this movie delves into the challenging transition of a young girl through adolescence.

The movie director from Kent persists in delving into a compassionate and visually captivating approach, a style she has refined in films such as “Fish Tank” and “American Honey,” which both focus on young characters navigating their identities amidst hardship and unpredictability.

As I navigated through the captivating world of “Bird”, Arnold introduced something extraordinary – a surrealist twist that felt like diving into the unknown. Telling this tale, a timeless fairytale, became the ideal way to convey those elusive aspects of adolescence where everyday logic just doesn’t cut it.

The film tells the story of Bailey, a 12-year-old girl residing with her lone father Bug, in a disorderly household situated in Gravesend, Northwest Kent.

In the tumultuous events that seem beyond her grasp, ranging from her father’s upcoming remarriage to the challenging lives of her younger siblings under the care of a drug-addicted mother, Bailey tirelessly seeks her niche in life. This quest is marked by intense teenage frustration and a persistent mistrust towards others.

Once upon a time, Bailey experiences an unusual interaction with an individual named Bird (Rogowski), who’s seeking his long-lost family – his parents. Prior to this encounter, Bird had lived in the neighborhood, only to vanish unexpectedly as a child.

As a curious gamer, I choose to embark on this adventure alongside him, unintentionally serving as a spark that ignites my own pathway into maturity.

Although it shares certain visual themes with social realism, this narrative does not solely exploit the experiences of the working class for dramatic effect. Instead, it delves into their lives without resorting to stereotypes or prejudice.

As a devoted fan, I’ve always admired how Arnold focuses on weaving tales that highlight her characters’ journeys, rather than exploiting their hardships for dramatic effect.

The focus should be on comprehending the viewers themselves, rather than creating a sense of satisfaction from their circumstances (which might make them feel good about observing). There’s also an abundance of delight as conventional views of societal structures are redefined through more inclusive concepts of family and camaraderie.

Arnold does not build on archetypes, and that’s why her movies always feel so alive.

In truth, audiences are accustomed to gruesome situations in such movies, so Arnold’s portrayal of kindness stands out as a breath of fresh air. The characters we see include a young criminal who uses violence as a means to safeguard those he cares about, two teenagers striving for parenthood, despite it being misguided or idealistic, and a group of adult males serenading a toad to fund their friend’s wedding.

Arnold consistently ensures that her characters are not abandoned – her remarkable kindness and insight as an author and filmmaker are truly commendable. In spite of the challenging scenarios presented in the film, it fundamentally revolves around a young girl learning to embrace both joy and hardship, discovering her inner resilience.

In this narrative, Barry Keoghan and Franz Rogowski deliver memorable performances, but it’s Nykiya Adams who truly elevates the story with her captivating portrayal.

In a heartfelt portrayal, Adams masterfully captures the tumultuous emotions of adolescence. Her character, Bailey, experiences the mortification of her first period and the unwelcome attention from men as her body undergoes changes, all while yearning for freedom – much like a wounded bird learning to take flight.

Beneath her tough exterior of bravado and defensive walls, there lies an ocean of endless kindness waiting to be shared.

Bailey’s personality is multifaceted yet remarkably identifiable, with her monetary situation playing little role compared to her strong longing for affection and the emotional turmoil she experiences due to inevitable changes and her fear thereof.

In a slightly less obvious yet equally captivating manner, “Bird” remains an exquisitely surprising and thought-provoking film, with the symbol of birds representing freedom throughout.

Bird is released in UK cinemas on November 8.

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2024-11-04 10:49