If there’s one movie that went through a lot of delays, and when I say “a lot,” I mean A LOT, that movie is White Bird. I never understood why, to be honest. This film is an amazing piece of art that, despite some minor flaws, is one of the most touching and heartbreaking films of 2024, in a very good way. This movie will have you literally sobbing by the end of it.
Struggling to fit in at his new school after being expelled for his treatment of Auggie Pullman, Julian is visited by his grandmother and is transformed by the story of her attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France during World War II.
Wonder, from 2017, is a total masterpiece and a film that I never thought it needed such a different sequel. White Bird never really feels like a successor to Wonder, it feels like a standalone film that is able to sustain itself without really having to mention the events of the first film. Wonder is only mentioned in the beginning as something to set up the main plot of the movie. White Bird is a story about war, loss and how cruel a human being can be. You’ll see things here that you’ll just go like: “how can people do that?”
White Bird is a really realistic movie that is not afraid of taking risks to tell a story that maybe won’t please everyone because of its heartbreaking moments. I think White Bird brought the most touching, important and memorable message in a film this year. The message this film brings will inspire you and make you feel comfortable about yourself, it’s a film that tries its best to show that kindness is a gift that everyone can afford to give, it just depends on you.
The cinematography is extremely well-crafted, and so is the direction. Every technical part of this movie made it an even more enjoyable and emotional experience. The score is also another standout. But even with all the praise, the film still manages to have some minor flaws. Something that was really hard to deal with was the pacing at some points; it felt like the story was being dragged just to make the runtime a little longer when it didn’t really have to. The film does a great job when telling this story, but it could’ve been better if they cut down some moments that didn’t really have to be there.
The cast, led by Ariella Glaser and Orlando Schwerdt, is amazing and they deliver performances truly touching relatable that will leave you having emotions for them. You will care for these characters, you want to see them succeed in their journey and realizing that life is not like we hope it to be can be heartbreaking, and it is here. Helen Mirren does an amazing job telling this story to the audience, she narrates it all with emotion and inspiration, another great performance. The climax and every single tense scene in this film will leave you on the edge of your seat with some being extremely terrifying dare I say.
I’m pleased to say that White Bird is one of the most impactful, touching, and beautiful stories told this year. Ariella Glaser and Orlando Schwerdt deliver amazing performances in a film that will have you sobbing by the time it’s over. Truly a memorable experience.
White Bird: A Wonder Story releases in theaters on October 4.
