It has been over seven years since Jacob Tremblay’s character, Auggie Pullman, reminded everyone about the importance of kindness in the movie Wonder. Auggie is a young boy who has facial features that make him different. Because of this, he becomes a target for bullying at school.
His bully, Julian, played by Bryce Gheisar, faces the consequences of his actions and gets suspended by the end of the film. Many would expect this punishment to change Julian’s behavior, but the new film White Bird shows a different story.
This movie is based on another bestselling book by R.J. Palacio. It takes a fresh direction from Wonder and tells what happens to Julian after he moves to a new school.
White Bird focuses on a powerful cautionary tale that his grandmother, played by Helen Mirren, shares while they drink tea together. As she tells her story, the plot unfolds, and viewers learn about her life during a difficult time in history.
Her story of surviving the Nazi occupation may seem similar to other stories told in war dramas. Still, director Marc Forster’s approach touches the heart through a simple yet meaningful view of humanity’s power.
What Is ‘White Bird’ About?
The movie opens with Julian sitting alone at a cafeteria table. He feels isolated when a popular jock approaches him. The jock tells Julian that he is sitting at the “loser table.” Then, the jock offers Julian a chance to join him and his friends for lunch the next day.
Julian thinks about this offer as he heads home. When he arrives, he is surprised when his grandmother, Sara (Mirren), shares a personal story from her past in France during World War II.
As she begins to tell her life story, the plot develops, and viewers are introduced to Sara’s younger self, played by Ariella Glaser. This younger version of Sara experiences fear and uncertainty as a Jewish girl during a time of great danger.
At first, she feels safe in her small town, but as hostility begins to grow, she starts to worry about her safety and that of her parents. This worry becomes real when her teacher escorts her and other Jewish students out of school. At this moment, Sara truly understands the hatred that Nazi soldiers have against her people.
Sara is the only student who escapes capture by the authorities. With the help of Julien (Orlando Schwerdt), a classmate with a limp whom she used to make fun of, she finds refuge.
Julien and his parents take Sara into their home, providing her with food, clean clothes, and a safe place to hide until the war comes to an end. This act of kindness is crucial, as it allows Sara to survive the chaos surrounding them.
As the war continues, Sara and Julien’s relationship develops. They grow closer together and use their imagination to dream of a world without conflict.
They laugh, share stories, and create a bond that helps them escape the harsh realities of their situation. Their connection provides both characters with a sense of hope during dark times.
Ariella Glaser and Orlando Schwerdt Shine in WWII Teen Romance
Although White Bird features Helen Mirren as a key character, her role is mostly limited to narration. The true stars of the film are Glaser and Schwerdt, who portray the young couple at the heart of this narrative. Their performances create a beautiful and touching portrayal of young love during a difficult period in history.
Throughout the film, Sara and Julien share many joyful moments. They laugh together over Charlie Chaplin reenactments and dream about visiting Paris while pretending to sightsee from a dusty car parked inside the barn where Sara is hiding.
The actors fill their scenes with sensitivity and care, allowing viewers to see the innocence of youth amidst the horrors of war. Their playful moments inside the barn contrast sharply with the growing darkness outside, highlighting the importance of their relationship in such challenging times.
As their bond deepens, the film’s main message becomes clearer. The leads remind viewers of the characters in The Book Thief, another young adult adaptation set during the Holocaust. Their experiences resonate deeply, as both couples strive to find joy and hope while facing adversity.
While the main characters are central to the story, the supporting cast also deserves recognition. Gillian Anderson stands out as Julien’s mother, providing a comforting presence throughout the film. In a powerful scene towards the end, Anderson shows her talent, portraying her character in a vulnerable moment that adds depth to the story.
‘White Bird’ Doesn’t Reinvent the Wheel, But It Has an Endearing Message
The plot of White Bird is not groundbreaking, but it carries a well-meaning and timely message. In today’s world, where political conflicts and wars affect many lives, White Bird serves as a reminder to help others rather than adding to the chaos. The film highlights the importance of compassion and understanding in times of hardship.
Even though the film faced many delays before its release, Forster’s work has not lost its sense of purpose. As the elder Sara shares her experiences with her grandson, he begins to question his actions and reflect on how he can become a better person.
This moment is crucial for Julian, as it leads him to understand the importance of kindness and compassion. His grandmother’s story reminds him that even in the darkest times, there is always a chance to choose a better path.
In a similar way to how Forster’s film Finding Neverland shows imagination and the importance of play, White Bird also goes into these themes through the bond between Sara and Julien.
They focus on light-hearted activities, which makes their relationship even more special because it stands out against the backdrop of hate and violence in their world. Their ability to dream and imagine a brighter future is a powerful testament to the human spirit.
The sensitive portrayals by Glaser and Schwerdt create a heartfelt experience for viewers, while Anderson’s performance adds emotional depth to the narrative.
Through their interactions, the film once again proves that kindness is a remedy for evil, and it is never too late to choose the right path. The story encourages viewers to reflect on their own actions and consider how they can spread kindness in their own lives.
White Bird is more than just a film; it is a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness, compassion, and humanity.
The adaptation beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs of its characters while offering a meaningful message for audiences today. As viewers watch Sara and Julien face their difficult world, they are reminded that love and kindness can prevail, even in the darkest of times.
White Bird is a heartfelt film that follows Julian, a teenager who learns about kindness and compassion from his grandmother, Sara, while she shares her harrowing story of survival during World War II.
As a Jewish girl, Sara faces the dangers of Nazi persecution and finds refuge with a classmate named Julien, who helps her escape. Their bond blossoms amid the chaos, showing the power of humanity and the importance of choosing kindness even in the darkest times.
