Must-See Movie of the Week Scores 3.9/5 – A Truly Great Cinema Experience!

Two years after her documentary “Cow,” Andrea Arnold, known for works like “Fish Tank” featuring Michael Fassbender and “American Honey,” returns with “Bird,” which competed at the recent Cannes Film Festival.

This dark yet hopeful social tale, starring Barry Keoghan, Franz Rogowski, and Nykiya Adams, has received favorable reviews from the French media, achieving an average score of 3.9 out of 5 (according to AlloCiné, from 28 outlets).

What’s it About?

At the age of 12, Bailey lives with his brother Hunter and their father Bug, who is raising them alone in a squat in North Kent. Bug doesn’t have much time for them, and Bailey, nearing puberty, seeks attention and adventure elsewhere.

Critical Reception:

According to CinemaTeaser:

“This leap of faith, characteristic of the finest filmmakers, creates memorable cinema moments and untamed masterpieces. Arnold doesn’t do it alone; her actors join her in this bold jump, stunning in their commitment. And the audience must follow, captivated by such striking beauty.” – Aurélien Allin – 5/5

According to Konbini:

“Andrea Arnold recaptures the magic of her ‘American Honey’ by delicately portraying the forsaken youth of southern England with grace and beauty. It was a major favorite at the last Cannes Festival, and it’s sure to be among our top films of 2025.” – Arthur Cios – 5/5

According to Le Parisien:

“With clarity and kindness, Arnold wraps her narrative in suspense without ever compromising on a festive spirit, crafting a small social rock gem with a thrilling soundtrack.” – Renaud Baronian – 5/5

According to Mad Movies:

“A small marvel of poetry, remarkable for its precision and modesty.” – Renaud Baronian – 5/5

According to L’Obs:

“In this airy film about a heavy reality (the social reproduction of early parents), animals are everywhere, instincts are beastly, but humanity overflows.” – Nicolas Schaller – 4/5

According to Les Echos:

“A harsh and surprising film.” – Olivier De Bruyn – 4/5

According to aVoir-aLire.com:

“In a cinematic language that only Andrea Arnold can master, the director elevates a working-class English neighborhood to a poetic dimension of endless grace. One of the highlights from the Cannes 2024 selection.” – Laurent Cambon – 4/5

According to a Voix du Nord:

“Intriguing, if not profoundly moving.” – Christophe Caron – 3/5

According to Les Inrockuptibles:

“Arnold returns to the most natural setting of her social realism, even as she introduces a dose of allegorical fantasy, which isn’t her most successful element.” – Théo Ribeton – 3/5

According to La Tribune Dimanche:

“André Arnold’s direction is elegant and vibrant, appearing attractive but sometimes artificial by overplaying the dream sequences and portraying the ghetto as cooler than miserable.” – Alexis Campion – 2/5