Bird might seem a big step for Andrea Arnold, as it creeps tentatively into the realm of magical realism from her usual gritty, firmly naturalistic territory. But ironically, much of what takes up the runtime is well-trodden ground for her.
There are enjoyable elements, particularly the standout debut from lead Nykiya Adams, whose confidence is thrilling to watch. It looks gorgeous and vibrant on 16mm, assuming you can handle the absolutely wild handheld camera moves. The soundtrack, of mostly modern British rock and punk, is refreshingly different. There is some good humour and often a light tone - the kids do get to be kids sometimes, in between the inevitable trials of being forced to grow up too fast.
But Bird feels rather aimless for most of its runtime. Many scenes and plotlines don't amount to much on their own, leading to a sense that they must be building up to something explosive that I felt didn't ultimately arrive. It lacks imagination in its characters and plot points. Its setting is strangely fantastical and painfully real at the same time, in a way that confuses the tone. Apparently, it is authentic to the director's experience (set firmly in her childhood neighbourhood in Kent) and this adds to the sense that Arnold is telling a quite personal story that may have far more meaning to her than to the general audience.
