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There is a particular scene inWhite Birdthat made me gasp out loud. The scene was not violent; however, watching a teacher insist on chaperoning the Jewish children pulled from her class because they are her responsibility felt like the equivalent of me yelling out during a horror film, “Don’t go in there!”
You cannot argue against how effectiveWhite Birdis in terms of engagement. Watching teachers, priests, and neighbors risk, and at times outright sacrifice, themselves to protect Jewish children is compelling, if not heartbreaking. Disturbingly, this has practically become a Hollywood trope.
There are several scenes like the one I described above. Saviors appear on the screen and vanish from sight, never to be seen again. That’s what makes Marc Forster’sWhite Birdhaunting at times—kindness is an enduring theme, but it comes at the cost of one’s life.
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White BirdReview and Synopsis
The story is told through flashbacks, where an older adult recounts their experiences to a younger person. Based on the graphic novelWhite Bird: A Wonder Storyby R. J. Palacio follows Julian (Bryce Gheisar), an adolescent who remains silent when standing up for two fellow students.
When Julian arrives home, his mother is at work but has left his dinner. His grandmère (Helen Mirren) soon arrives, giving him a warm hug and a snack. And, of course, after her petit-fils recounts his day, it’s story time. The renowned artist’s work reflects the incredible story of her childhood.
As a young girl, Sara (Ariella Glaser) lived with her parents in Nazi-occupied France. Sara can sense her parents’ unease, not knowing they may have already missed their chance to escape. The next day, Nazi officials come for Sara and fourteen of her classmates.
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White BirdCan Be Hauntingly Manipulative
This is where Mark Bomback’s (War on the Planet of the Apes,Logan) scripts come into play. He draws comparisons to how Sara treated a classmate, Julien (Orlando Schwerdt), who has been polio-lamed since he was a young child. Sara’s new ally helps her escape to his family farmhouse.
The first act is anxiety-ridden and filled with the heartbreaking moments we discussed above. There are also scenes involving bullies that take on a whole new meaning. Some may call this one-note; however, the Hitlerjugend was prominent at the time, with children falling prey to this particular propaganda.
Forster effectively generates suspense through the highs and lows, manipulating the audience’s emotions to extremes. For instance,Gillian Andersonplays Julian’s mother, offering Sara—and the audience—a sense of warmth while not fully sheltering her from modern-day atrocities. Never has the simple gesture of chocolate been so meaningful.
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IsWhite BirdWorth Watching?
White Birdis worth watching for those magical connections, particularly the moments that range from adorable to endearing between the Julian and Sara characters. However, Forster (Monster’s Ball,World War Z) adds a sprinkle of his work fromFinding Neverlandto the story.
While some scenes bring enchanting moments and levity, Forster seems to abandon this storytelling tool too quickly, making it feel somewhat out of place. I mention this because it is much more prevalent in the book, where imagination is used as an escape from the atrocities of the time.
Frankly, it made me wonder if some scenes were left on the cutting room floor becauseBrad Pittstormed the editing room, still unable to trust Forster to finish a film to his liking. However, the final product’s messages come through warmly, and the result has a heart-rending effect on the audience.
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You can watch White Bird only in theaters October 4th.
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M.N. Miller
Film & Television Critic
Articles Published :336
M.N. Miller is a film and television critic and a proud member of the Las Vegas Film Critic Society, Critics Choice Association, and a 🍅 Rotten Tomatoes/Tomato meter approved. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Mansfield University and a Master’s from Chamberlain University. However, he still puts on his pants one leg at a time, and that’s when he usually stumbles over. When not writing about film or television, he patiently waits for the next Pearl Jam album and chooses to pass the time by scratching his wife’s back on Sunday afternoons while she watches endless reruns of California Dreams. M.N. Miller was proclaimed the smartest reviewer alive by actor Jason Isaacs but chose to ignore his obvious sarcasm. you’re able to also find his work on Hidden Remote, InSession Film, Ready Steady Cut, Geek Vibes Nation, and Nerd Alert.
