Andrea Arnold's 'Bird' fails to capture its gritty fairy tale essence
- The film depicts a 12-year-old girl named Bailey navigating life's difficulties in working-class Kent.
- Bailey encounters a surreal figure who attempts to guide her through her tumultuous existence.
- Despite Arnold's previous success, 'Bird' struggles with its story and emotional impact, resulting in mixed reviews.
In the film 'Bird,' British filmmaker Andrea Arnold presents a story centered around Bailey, a 12-year-old girl living in a poor area of Kent. The narrative unfolds as Bailey rides through bleak environments with her father Bug, highlighting the harsh realities of their lives. As the film progresses, Bailey meets a surreal character who offers her a glimpse of sweetness amidst her chaotic upbringing, which includes family troubles like her mother's abusive boyfriend and her father's new relationship. Although Arnold's films often encompass gritty realism, 'Bird' introduces surreal elements that complicate the narrative and lead to mixed responses from audiences. Critics suggest that the film diverges from Arnold's usual style, resulting in a less cohesive storytelling experience and an overall lack of emotional depth, earning it a lackluster two-star review. The challenges Bailey faces, set against the backdrop of working-class struggles, reveal the complexity of growing up in such an environment, yet the film may not resonate as strongly due to its ambiguous execution and character dynamics.