Bird
6.9
Bailey, a 12-year-old girl, lives in a modest squat in North Kent with her single father, Bug, and her older brother, Hunter. The environment she grows up in is one marked by economic instability, as Bug struggles to provide the emotional and financial support his children need. Bailey, approaching puberty, is caught between her childhood innocence and the growing desire for independence and adventure. Her father, preoccupied with his own challenges, has little time to invest in his children, leaving Bailey to navigate the complexities of adolescence on her own.
Bailey's relationship with her father, Bug, is distant. Though Bug cares for his children in his own way, he is largely absent from their emotional lives. His inability or unwillingness to be a present and attentive figure in Bailey's life is a central element of her growing sense of isolation. As a young girl on the brink of adolescence, Bailey is faced with new experiences—both physical and emotional—that she doesn’t fully understand. The lack of a supportive, guiding figure leaves her searching for attention and guidance elsewhere, often in risky or unpredictable ways.
Despite the challenges at home, Bailey is a resilient and curious young girl. Her sense of adventure and desire for exploration drive her to seek out experiences beyond the confines of her home. In a world where her father’s attention is scarce and her brother Hunter seems to be consumed with his own world, Bailey becomes more independent, carving out spaces for herself in places and situations that promise excitement, even if they also come with their own dangers.
As Bailey enters the turbulent stage of adolescence, she grapples with her changing body and the increasing need for social connection. Puberty, a complex and confusing time for many young girls, feels even more overwhelming for Bailey because she doesn’t have the support system that many of her peers might rely on. Her attempts to find affection, validation, and identity outside her home lead her into a series of adventures—some more fulfilling than others. These experiences shape her, making her stronger and more self-reliant, but also forcing her to confront uncomfortable realities about her world and the people around her.
The absence of her father’s nurturing presence and her brother’s indifference push Bailey to form her own identity in a world that often feels indifferent to her needs. Her adventures, though sometimes reckless, are also a way for her to discover who she is and what she wants out of life. They provide her with moments of self-reflection and personal growth, even though they also expose her to risk and uncertainty. Bailey’s journey is one of self-discovery, where she learns not just about the world around her, but about herself.
In the end, Bailey’s story is one of survival, resilience, and a quest for meaning in a world that doesn’t always provide the support she needs. As she navigates the early stages of puberty and independence, she learns to balance the innocence of childhood with the complexities of growing up, all while searching for the connection and adventure that have eluded her at home.
Director: Adam Lock, Alex Pugh, Andrea Arnold, Jamie D. Allen, Pippa Feldberg Collins
Cast: Barry Keoghan, Carlos O'Connell, Frankie Box, Franz Rogowski, James Nelson-Joyce, Jasmine Jobson, Jason Buda, Jason Williamson, Joanne Matthews, Nykiya Adams, Rhys Yates
