Learic Life’s review published on Letterboxd:
The first two acts of this indie feature feel like they’re trying too hard to be gritty, artistic, and experimental. The handheld camerawork is admirable but when it relies too much on “shaky cam realism” it becomes difficult to watch. Superb performances abound, however, from Nykiya Adams in her film debut giving this uncompromising coming-of-age story a solid foundational core; the incomparable Barry Keoghan as her irresponsible but caring father giving another stellar performance; and the impressive Franz Rogowski as the titular Bird — an outsider who appears on the scene looking for his long-lost parents, becoming an unorthodox friend for the troubled, lonely Adams. The first two acts sort of meander along, and I’ll be honest start to become downright boring — this is a two hour film, and I found myself constantly wishing it would just end. Then, that third act hits and there’s a pronounced turning point. We have entered a realm of magical realism that transports the film, guiding it into a more focused channel of emotional truth where Keoghan’s connection to his daughter and son illuminates, culminating in his wedding and an ending that resonates. It’s a damn shame those first two acts were so underwhelming, because this had the makings of a modern masterpiece if they had been a little more grounded.