Andrea Arnold’s Birds , which premiered at TIFF Canada, is a profound exploration of childhood, suffering, and the search for identity amid the uncertainty of life. The film follows Bailey, a 12-year-old girl played by charming newcomer Nykiya Adams, whose life is filled with confusion and loneliness. Her father, Barger (Barry Keoghan), is a distraught, emotionally disturbed man who cares more about his upcoming marriage than his daughter’s happiness. Bug is a neglectful parent who can’t even provide for his family, let alone provide the guidance and love that Bailey needs.
In this context, Arnold perfectly explains the idea that childhood should be a time of innocence rather than a time of premature exposure to the harsh realities of life. However, as “Birds” demonstrates, when children are thrust into situations beyond their control, they must respond to challenges and make choices that lead them toward growth or despair. Bailey, like many vulnerable young people, faces difficult decisions and doesn’t always know the right path to take.
Bailey finds solace in the natural world, wandering the open fields where she feels most herself, and here she meets Bird (Franz Rogowski), a man who, like her, seems lost in life of strangers. Their encounter blossoms into a deep, pure friendship, giving both parties a sense of belonging and happiness that they lack. Through their journey together, they discover themselves and what truly matters.
Arnold’s storytelling is dripping with empathy and touches on themes of identity, sexism, loneliness and class struggle, while infusing a touch of magical realism that elevates “Birds” into an ode to the delicate transition from childhood to adolescence. Her direction captures the complexities of a young girl’s world, creating a compelling and ultimately joyful story.
Barry Keoghan is a fantastic actor who can pull off any role, and he brings passion to his portrayal of Bugg. However, his casting feels a little off as he looks too young to convincingly portray a father figure who is supposed to carry life experiences. This dissonance between the character’s maturity and Keoghan’s youthful exuberance makes his performance feel slightly off.
Still, “Birds” shines with its heartfelt storytelling, strong performances, and Arnold’s unique visual style. It offers a cinematic experience that captures the inner turmoil and outer landscape of a young girl’s life, ultimately finding light amid the shadows of growing up. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining the innocence of childhood, and of the strength needed to face the world when that innocence is inevitably challenged.
