I love Andrea Arnold- her films always impact me a great deal, and although they are often harrowing and emotionally challenging, they always hold a lot of love, vulnerability and connection.
Bird definitely took me through almost every emotion on the spectrum, and this to me is what film/art does when it's at it best. Initially, I'm embarrassed to admit* that I found the delivery of violence by such young people, and the conditions in which they live both heartbreaking, and shocking.
However, the characters we are gradually introduced to, and the insight we get into the complexities of their relationships and circumstances is all encompassing, so that I found myself captivated by the story, messages, and incredible individuals whose lives we get to witness a fragment of.
I became totally invested in the lead character, and 'Bird', but also her father, siblings and mum.
Therefore, with the events that happen it's inevitable that the level of empathy and compassion I felt was overwhelming in all ways.
Their moments of joy and relief became mine. So too their hurt and confusion, fear and anger.
This is testament to both the incredible cast (mostly non or very unknown actors), Arnold's skill, and the combination of every person's contribution to the making of the film.
The soundtrack is always a big aspect of Arnold's work, and although they were slightly more familiar tracks to me than usual (her films often introduce me to musicians and artists I've never heard before, which is great!), the combined collection played as important role as the actors themselves.
I keep thinking about different moments in the film and definitely want to see it again. I'd recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed Arnold's previous work, plus those who appreciate Mike Leigh, and Ken loach. I completely understand it is not what a portion of cinema goers /film lovers want from a film. But whatever one's taste, it is still, I think, impossible not to become deeply engaged with Bird and that is it really a film most should see.
One thing I would highlight is that unlike any other of her films (I think?), Arnold does include elements of magical realism and more visual metaphors (?). I am usually not into this kind of surrealism/type of thing and still would say it didn't totally work for me personally. BUT, it did not take away from the rest of it, and I kind of 'got on board' with the slight veering off into MR so that it was affective and mostly appreciated.
My favourite moments are with Bug (played by Barry Keogh), and when he's interacting with his kids, mates and girlfriend. I laughed and cried , flinched and felt my insides glow at different points of Bird. I hope you find the warmth and love and beauty in it too. Definitely worth persistence if Initially not convinced.
* I am very fortunate in terms of my home environment and relatively low exposure to poverty and casual violence),
