White Bird Review: A Touching Reminder of Kindness in Divisive Times

World War II is a backdrop for countless films, each delivering poignant messages about survival, bravery, and humanity. White Bird, directed by Marc Forster and adapted from R.J. Palacio’s novel, emerges as a moving addition to this genre. While the film doesn’t reinvent the wheel of war dramas, it excels in conveying an age-old message with heart: the power of kindness in the face of cruelty.

This spin-off from Wonder shifts its focus from the original’s protagonist, Auggie, to Julian, a character who once bullied him. Through the tender and eye-opening storytelling of Julian’s grandmother, played by Helen Mirren, we are taken on a journey through the lens of Sara’s experience as a Jewish girl during Nazi-occupied France. The film is a reminder that even in the darkest times, kindness has the ability to transform and heal.

A Story Rooted in Humanity

White Bird picks up with Julian, now in a new school after being expelled for bullying Auggie in Wonder. It would seem that Julian is still grappling with understanding the consequences of his actions. Sitting alone in the cafeteria, Julian is approached by a fellow student, offering him a spot at the popular table. This seemingly small moment sets the tone for the film, where choices, even minor ones, carry profound weight.

Upon returning home, Julian’s grandmother, Sara (Helen Mirren), shares with him a story from her own past. As a young Jewish girl in World War II-era France, Sara’s life was upended by the spread of Nazi occupation. The film delves into her survival journey, the kindness she received, and how those acts of compassion shaped not only her survival but her character.

Themes of Compassion Amid Conflict

The heart of White Bird lies in Sara’s recollection of the past. The film transports us to her childhood, where a younger version of Sara (played by Ariella Glaser) must confront the unimaginable reality of Nazi persecution. Like many Holocaust stories, White Bird portrays the terrifying sweep of hatred, as Jewish students are pulled from their classrooms and taken away. Sara, however, manages to escape, finding refuge with a classmate, Julien (Orlando Schwerdt), and his family.

The relationship between young Sara and Julien is at the core of the story’s emotional resonance. Their bond, one formed in secret within the confines of a barn, is not just a tale of survival, but of two children who use their imagination to escape the horrors around them. Their makeshift games and dreams of visiting Paris while confined in hiding serve as a heartwarming contrast to the brutality outside.

Ariella Glaser and Orlando Schwerdt: A Perfect Pairing

While Helen Mirren lends gravitas to the film with her narration, it’s the performances of Ariella Glaser and Orlando Schwerdt that steal the spotlight. As Sara and Julien, they carry the emotional weight of the film, displaying vulnerability, innocence, and resilience. Their chemistry is palpable, capturing the tenderness and strength of two young souls finding solace in each other during one of history’s darkest periods.

From their playful reenactments of Charlie Chaplin films to their heartfelt conversations about a future that might never come, their interactions are the beating heart of the film. These moments of joy and imagination, tucked away in a dusty barn, serve as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, light can shine through.

The Power of Kindness in Troubling Times

The message of White Bird is simple yet profound: in a world filled with hatred and cruelty, kindness can be the most powerful weapon. Julien’s family, particularly his mother (played by Gillian Anderson), risked everything to help Sara. Anderson’s performance, especially in one particularly emotional scene, showcases the weight of these choices and the sacrifices people made during the war.

Through this lens, Sara’s story is not just one of survival, but of redemption for both her and Julian. As Sara reflects on the kindness that saved her life, Julian is left to reflect on his own actions, particularly his bullying of Auggie. His grandmother’s story becomes a mirror, urging him to reconsider the path he’s on and to choose kindness over cruelty, empathy over indifference.

The Uniqueness of White Bird: A Soft Whisper Amid Loud War Dramas

While White Bird doesn’t break new ground in terms of its plot or approach, it offers something that many war dramas don’t: a quiet, intimate look at kindness. Many films about World War II focus on the large-scale horrors, the epic battles, or the sweeping narratives of revolution and resistance. White Bird, however, hones in on the small acts of humanity that often go unnoticed but make all the difference. It’s a quiet film with a loud message.

The film’s portrayal of imagination as a tool for survival is reminiscent of Forster’s previous work in Finding Neverland. In both films, Forster captures the delicate balance between reality and fantasy, showing how the latter can provide comfort and hope, even in the most desperate of times.

Why White Bird Matters Today

In a world increasingly divided by political strife, war, and social conflicts, the message of White Bird feels timelier than ever. While set in the context of World War II, the film’s underlying themes resonate with contemporary issues. The polarization of society, the rise of hatred, and the need for empathy and understanding are all as relevant now as they were then. White Bird reminds us that, as history repeats itself, so must our commitment to kindness and compassion.

The film’s ending, as Sara finishes her story, leaves a lasting impression on Julian and the audience. We see Julian begin to question his own behaviour, understanding that his actions, like those of the Nazis in Sara’s story, can cause harm. He begins to contemplate the kind of person he wants to be, and in this, we see the possibility of redemption.

Final Thoughts: A Poignant Tale of Growth and Empathy

White Bird is a film that doesn’t rely on groundbreaking plot twists or flashy visuals to make an impact. Instead, it relies on the strength of its message and the powerful performances of its cast. Through Sara’s story, the film touches on universal themes of forgiveness, empathy, and the power of kindness.

In an era where conflicts and divisions dominate headlines, White Bird serves as a gentle reminder that our choices, no matter how small, have a profound impact on the lives of others. It’s a movie that encourages reflection, not just on history, but on our own behaviour in today’s world. Ultimately, it teaches that it’s never too late to be kind, and in that kindness, we find the true essence of humanity.