White Bird Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
In 2017, Wonder became a surprise hit, touching audiences worldwide with its heartfelt message of kindness and acceptance. Now, White Bird (2024) continues the emotional journey, this time expanding the story to a more global and historical scale. Directed by Marc Forster, White Bird is a standalone prequel and sequel to Wonder, focusing on themes of bravery, love, and sacrifice set during one of history’s darkest periods—Nazi-occupied France.
This film offers an emotionally rich narrative centered on Julian, the bully from Wonder, as he learns from his grandmother Sara’s wartime experiences. The poignant connection between her story and Julian’s present-day struggles with fitting in highlights the film’s broader message of empathy and redemption.
Plot Summary
Julian, who once bullied Auggie Pullman, is expelled from school and faces challenges adjusting to his new environment. His grandmother, Sara (played by Helen Mirren), visits him and shares her story of survival during World War II. As a Jewish girl living in Nazi-occupied France, Sara was sheltered by a classmate named Julien, whose family risked their lives to protect her from the Nazis. The film alternates between the present day and flashbacks to Sara’s childhood, weaving a tale of courage, kindness, and the bond formed between two outcasts.
Through Sara’s memories, we witness the unimaginable hardships she faced as a young girl, hidden away in a barn to escape the horrors of war. Her relationship with Julien, who also faced bullying due to his disability, becomes the heart of the story. White Bird is a tale of resilience and how small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
Review
Marc Forster’s direction brings a unique blend of whimsy and melancholy to the historical drama, much like his earlier work in Finding Neverland and The Kite Runner. Visually, White Bird is stunning, with its sweeping landscapes, vivid colors, and imaginative sequences that offer a sense of hope amidst the despair of war. The cinematography, helmed by Matthias Koenigswieser, brings a fairy-tale-like quality to the film, making it accessible to younger audiences while still capturing the gravity of its subject matter.
Helen Mirren shines in her role as Grandmère Sara, delivering a powerful performance that anchors the film. Although her screen time is limited, her narration adds depth to the story, and her portrayal of Sara’s inner strength resonates throughout. The younger cast, especially Ariella Glaser as young Sara and Orlando Schwerdt as Julien, also give standout performances, embodying the innocence and courage of children thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
The emotional core of the film revolves around the unlikely friendship between Sara and Julien. Sara, initially dismissive of Julien due to his disability, comes to realize his strength and kindness as he helps her survive. This message of acceptance and empathy mirrors the themes of Wonder, reinforcing the idea that true beauty lies in one’s actions, not appearances.
While White Bird is undeniably moving, some viewers may find its approach a bit too sentimental. The film occasionally dips into melodrama, and the portrayal of the Holocaust, while sensitive, is somewhat sanitized for its target audience. This could leave older viewers wanting a more gritty or realistic depiction of the historical events. However, for younger audiences or those unfamiliar with Holocaust stories, White Bird serves as a thoughtful introduction to the topic, highlighting the importance of kindness in the face of cruelty.
Streaming Availability
Currently, White Bird is still in theaters, but it’s expected to arrive on various streaming platforms soon. While no official date has been confirmed, based on trends with similar films, we can predict that it will likely become available for streaming on services like:
- Amazon Prime Video (rental/purchase options likely)
- Apple TV (rental and purchase)
- Google Play Movies & TV (rental/purchase)
- Vudu (rental/purchase)
Given its ties to Wonder, which is available on platforms like Netflix and Hulu, there’s also a possibility White Bird could join these services after its theatrical run. Fans eager to stream the movie should keep an eye on these platforms for future availability.
Why You Should Watch White Bird
White Bird is not just a historical drama—it’s a story about the power of human connection. The film’s central message, “You never forget kindness,” is a timely reminder in today’s world, where empathy is often overlooked. The film’s portrayal of courage in the face of injustice serves as an inspiration for audiences of all ages.
Though the film primarily targets a younger demographic, its themes resonate universally. Viewers who appreciated Wonder will likely find White Bird equally touching, as it expands on the universe and delves deeper into the impact of bullying and the healing power of forgiveness.
Conclusion
White Bird (2024) delivers an inspiring tale of love, courage, and redemption. While it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of war, its message of kindness and empathy offers hope in even the darkest moments. Marc Forster’s direction, coupled with strong performances from the cast, makes this film a worthy follow-up to Wonder. Whether you’re drawn to historical dramas or emotional character-driven stories, White Bird is a must-watch.
As we await its release on streaming platforms, make sure to catch it in theaters for an emotional cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
