UK | USA | France | Germany 2024
Opening February 20, 2025
Directed by: Andrea Arnold
Writing credits: Andrea Arnold
Principal actors: Nykiya Adams, Barry Keoghan, Franz Rogowski
Bailey (Nykiya Adams) is a twelve-year-old living with her dad Bug (Barry Keoghan) in a mixed and chaotic family life. She studies the world around her and is trying to find her place. One way she manages her feelings is by studying nature and filming the world around her. Her older brother is in a gang, her dad is marrying his new girlfriend, her mom and younger sisters are struggling in another house with an abusive boyfriend. Bailey wants to join the gang but runs away when a fight starts. It’s here she meets Bird (Franz Rogowski) a unique and caring man who asks for her help. The moments in the film where nature signals Bird’s presence are stunning. Bailey wants to help Bird find his parents who used to live in the housing complex, and Bird helps Bailey by seeing her, helping her half-brother, and protecting her from her mom’s abusive boyfriend.
This movie started out with moments that felt very slow due to the filming style. But as it progressed the close-up filming style made the viewer connect with Bailey as it follows her, being able to see events through her eyes. It is a view into the rough life of a young woman who has to handle it all. Bird helps her discover her strength amongst the struggles. A sad, emotional story that focuses on the human connection, and connection with nature. (Shanan R.)