Film No. 17 (2025) February 26th. 6:40 PM EVENT CINEMAS, Cine 3, Innaloo.
"You're used to sorting it, aren't you? Taking care of things yourself". (Bird makes an astute observation of his new friend Bailey).
WINNER: Top 10 Independent Films (Andrea Arnold) National Board of Review, USA. (2025).
Is the brilliant BIRD a film to recommend to the people whose level of empathy you've never quite figured out? It's a thought I had, but maybe the raw realism of BIRD would be an unfair test.
BIRD is a modern day fable focusing on a U.K. (Gravesend; Kent) underclass which the rest of Britain try to ignore. We should have known, after FISH TANK (FT), that Andrea Arnold would create a film which is its equal . In FT, Arnold gave us Mia a fifteen year old locked into feelings of self destruction. Here, twelve year old Bailey has an energetic resilience and intelligence which keeps her (now separated) immature parents slightly grounded. She is a carer to her half brother and sisters. Formal schooling for these lovable rascals does not seem to be an option. Bailey's unending observation of insects and wildlife seem to be her only escape from this world of hard knocks. Then, enter Bird, a gentle young man with an aura about him. Could he be real? His gentleness calms this chaotic film immediately. Until, of course, that scene!
Bird (Franz Rogowski) gently massages strength and hope into Bailey. It's a trope within the film that is dividing audiences, but I appeal to your better senses. Let Bird transfix you, like he does Bailey. Fight it, and you'll be less empathetic to Bailey's cause. Bailey doesn't deserve that. 11GUMS.
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