The Reel Review
Julien, the boy expelled from school for bullying the facially deformed Auggie Pullman in Wonder, gets a lesson in kindness when his Jewish grandmother shares her childhood story about a family who risked death by hiding her in their barn in Nazi-occupied WWII France. Helen Mirren, Ariella Glaser, Orlando Schwerdt and Gillian Anderson star in this historical war drama based on R.J. Palacio’s 2019 graphic novel.
White Bird is a beautifully filmed, predictable Holocaust war drama with a distinctly young adult vibe, with solid performances from Glaser (Radioactive) and Schwerdt (Children of the Corn) as the teenage romantic interests. The scene when the Nazis are rounding up the Jewish schoolchildren to be sent to concentration camps is particularly harrowing. Although the fantasy sequences in the car are admittedly corny, this well-intended film from director Marc Forster (A Man Called Otto, Quantum of Solace) is really sweet, with tastefully done, poignant moments.
Although her role is relatively small, Gillian Anderson gives a moving, powerhouse performance in the third act, with Mirren’s character underscoring the importance of investing time to help teach young people to make good decisions in life. Prepare to cry.
REEL FACTS
• Bryce Gheisar, who portrays Julien, is the only cast member from Wonder to reprise his role in White Bird.
• Filmed in early 2021 in the Czech Republic and New York City, White Bird was initially planned for a September 2022 release but was pushed back after underperforming in test screenings the year before, It was delayed again due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.
• In addition to White Bird, German-born filmmaker Marc Forster’s credits also include 2001’s Monster’s Ball, 2004’s Finding Neverland, 2007’s The Kite Runner and 2013’s World War Z.
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