Audiences have waited since 2022 for this film to premiere on the silver screen. But due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, the final product was finally released in American theaters on Oct. 4.
“White Bird” tells the story of Julian Albans, played by Bryce Gheisar – the antagonist of “Wonder,” and his grandmother, played by Helen Mirren, Sara Blum who tells Albans about her experience during WWII and the courage it takes to show kindness during times of despair.
When the film begins, the audience is introduced to an adolescent Sara Blum, portrayed by Ariella Glaser, who is spoiled and small minded, similar to her grandson in the first film. She wasn’t a bully like Albans, she wasn’t very kind either. When the secondary character, Julien Beaumier or Torteau as called by the school kids, played by Orlando Schwerdt, first interacts with Blum, she isn’t fond of the experience due to his polio affecting his social status within the small 1942 village of Alsace, France.
As the film progresses, antisemitism laws start to be enacted due to WWII and the Nazi influence of the village. Blum is discriminated against due to her Jewish beliefs, which leads to the German soldiers’ invasion at her school. It almost makes the audience hearts’ beat with anticipation that Blum will outrun the troops. But to her surprise, the person to help her escape was Julien.
He leads her to safety into his parents’ barn to hide out during the war. With no friends and her family nowhere to be heard from, Blum becomes close with the Beaumiers, especially Julien, whom she grew to love.
This film was beyond exceptional. It was beautiful to see how even in a time of darkness, there could be light brought by other people such as Julien in this film. It was also wonderful, the message Blum tried to tell her grandson that to be kind takes courage.
The story and cinematography was absolutely breathtaking. It captures audiences’ attention when films like these revive childhood wonder in adolescents and even adults. The set design and capture of France was breathtakingly stunning.
The character development was quite pleasant, especially to see a young Blum transition from her spoiled ways to a grateful and appreciative human by the end of the film. Even the storyline of her and Julien finding out their love for each other truly shows how Blum has grown out of societal standards and stereotypes – showing true development.
It was also exquisite for viewers to see symbolism throughout the film. One example was how Blum’s father told her to wear snow boots to school and she disobeyed him by wearing red shoes instead, which highlights her spoiled behavior – even more as she had trouble running through the snowy woods while being chased by Nazi soldiers. The other example was the representation of the white bird itself, which symbolizes peace and hope in times of conflict and crisis.
Needless to say, this film was exceptional and beyond comparison to other films released. It was a beautiful production that captured the hearts, minds and tears of audiences who watched this movie. With both a wonderful storyline and cast to portray this project, this is why it deserves a 9.8/10 rating. It teaches audiences rather than distracting them, which is what most films should strive to include.
