As a film reviewer with a lifelong passion for cinema and a deep-rooted appreciation for stories that tug at the heartstrings, I can confidently say that “White Bird” is a must-watch masterpiece. This heartwarming and heartbreaking film serves as a poignant sequel to the beloved 2017 hit “Wonder.” Directed by Marc Forster, who has proven his knack for crafting compelling narratives with emotional depth, “White Bird” is an unforgettable journey that will leave you with tears in your eyes and hope in your heart.
The 2017 movie “Wonder”, a family coming-of-age film, turned out to be a hit both with critics and at the box office. It was adapted from R.J. Palacio’s 2012 children’s novel of the same name, which also inspired additional books such as the 2019 graphic novel “White Bird: A Wonder Story”. Now, this story has been brought to life on screen once more in a touching and impactful new film directed by Marc Forster (“Monster’s Ball”, “Finding Neverland”, “A Man Called Otto”).
Titled “White Bird,” this narrative functions as a spin-off and sequel, focusing on the character Julian Albans, formerly the bully from “Wonder,” portrayed by Bryce Gheisar. In the story (adapted by screenwriter Mark Bomback), we find ourselves 15 years after the events of the initial film, with Julian enrolled in a new private school, Yates Academy. To blend in, he’s chosen a neutral stance: “Avoid being mean, avoid being kind. Just be ordinary.
One day following school, Julian comes home to discover his grandmother Sara (Helen Mirren), who’s visiting from Paris, already there. Known for her artistry, she’s in town to showcase her work at a local museum retrospective. With Julian’s parents gone for the night, Sara and Julian have a heart-to-heart chat. As he shares his struggles with passivity, memories of her own past resurface in Sara’s mind – a past she rarely talks about. Moved by this, she decides to share her story with Julian, hoping it will guide him away from a path that might lead to regret.
The film then shifts into a detailed flashback that forms the heart of the movie, introducing us to a young Sara, beautifully portrayed by Ariella Glaser. It’s summertime in August 1942 when we meet the family, who are leading a blissful life. Sara’s father is a skilled surgeon, her mother is a respected mathematics professor, and they form a warm and tight-knit Jewish family residing in a quaint French hamlet.
Sara, with dreams in her eyes, perceives life through a cozy and innocent perspective. Mostly, she spends her days indulging in her passions for fashion, drawing, and socializing with friends who are equally unaware. She avoids anything that might disturb her comfort, such as ignoring a classmate named Julien (Orlando Schwerdt), who is bullied and has polio. In truth, Sara and her family exist under the looming threat of Nazi control. Although the Germans have entered Paris, their influence in the villages has been minimal.
However, everything takes a sudden turn one night. Sara’s mother loses her job at the university and local businesses refuse service to Jews. The harshness of the situation becomes all too real when Nazi soldiers disrupt Sara’s school day to round up Jewish students. After an unsuccessful attempt to escape, Sara receives aid from an unlikely ally.
In a different setting, Julian uncovers Sara concealed and quietly escorts her away from the town to his family’s countryside farmhouse. His parents, Vivienne (portrayed by Gillian Anderson) and Jean Paul (Jo Stone-Fewings), secretly shelter her in their barn, ensuring she remains hidden from their suspicious, pro-Nazi neighbors. As days turn into weeks, and weeks stretch into months, a bond forms between Sara and Julien. This blossoming relationship serves as the emotional core of the film. However, the constant fear of being exposed casts a persistent, tangible tension over the narrative without becoming excessively dramatic.
In just two hours, Forster skillfully navigates his storyline and themes in the film, effectively managing both a heartfelt coming-of-age narrative and a profound Holocaust drama. He masterfully portrays his world primarily through children’s perspectives, yet never minimizes or trivialized the severity of events unfolding. Without resorting to manipulation, he elicits genuine emotions that feel authentic and truly earned.
In a heartfelt, hopeful manner, “White Bird” delves deeply into its serious topics of compassion, brutality, mercy, and self-sacrifice. While it may not present entirely novel ideas, it courageously tackles the recurring patterns of enmity that have haunted mankind for centuries. This results in a potent and enduring message that resonates even today, bolstered by outstanding performances throughout and a director who stays attuned to human emotions. Catch “White Bird” in theaters starting October 4th.
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2024-10-03 17:56