Andrea Arnold's latest film "Bird" boldly remixes familiar themes into a new narrative, embracing the idea that anything is possible. The movie echoes the perilous tone of "Fish Tank" while featuring a vibrant soundtrack akin to "American Honey." Despite criticisms of predictability, Arnold's work was prematurely dismissed at Cannes. However, the notion that showcasing magical realism early on would lead to a lack of surprises in the conclusion is unfounded. Arnold's films celebrate youth's potential, and in "Bird," magic enhances this vision.
Bailey (Nykiya Adams) lives in a rundown tenement with her father, Bug (Barry Keoghan). Despite initial impressions, Bug shows genuine care for Bailey and her half-brother, striving for their happiness. In contrast, Bailey's half-sisters face a menacing presence, emphasizing the dangers young women like Bailey encounter, fueling her desire to escape. Her brother Hunter (Jason Buda) tries to bring order to their chaotic society by creating viral videos with friends seeking retribution. Bailey encounters Bird in a field, where Bird, with a mysterious aura, asks for help to find his family. Franz Rogowski's unique physical acting in "Bird" vividly expresses character and themes. Arnold skillfully blends reality with enchantment as a bird delivers a note to a young girlfriend. Embrace the imaginative journey and the emotions it evokes.
Newcomer Adams delivers a powerful performance, outshining seasoned actors Keoghan and Rogowski. Her natural ability to react authentically to her surroundings stands out. Arnold's direction brings strong performances from the entire cast, showcasing her skill as a director with consistently impressive results.
In the movie "Bird," Bug tries to extract psychedelic slime from a toad to fund his wedding. The toad enjoys "sincere" music, leading to a heartwarming scene where they perform Coldplay's "Yellow." This emotional depth aligns with Arnold's films, blending authenticity and music for genuine reactions. Bug's journey includes practicing Blur's "The Universal" for his wedding, a song exploring disillusionment but embracing potential. The film emphasizes the message that "It really, really, really could happen."