The 2017 coming-of-age drama Wonder was a major hit when it was first released, drawing attention not only to the work of director Stephen Chbosky, but also to RJ Palacio, who wrote the 2012 novel on which the film is based. Palacio also developed a graphic novel spinoff in 2019, titled White Bird: A Wonder Story. Now, a film adaptation of White Bird Will arrive at the theater. Directed by Marc Forster (Christopher Robin, a man called Otto), the movie heals a somewhat predictable story with strong performances and an emotionally resonant tale.
Picking up after the events of WonderThe history of White Bird Follows former school bully Julian Albans (Bryce Ghisar) who isolates himself at his new school, not wanting to stand out after the previous film. While he talks to his visiting grandmother, Sara, whom he calls Grandma (Helen Mirren), she tells him the story of her life as a child in Nazi-occupied France. As a young girl, Sara (Ariella Glaser) is saved by her polio-stricken classmate Julian (Orlando Swords).Whose parents (Gillian Jacobs and Joe Stone-Fevings) hide her in a barn when the Nazis start rounding up Jews across the country.
White Bird turns a predictable World War II story into an emotional rollercoaster
The film excels in tugging at heartstrings
right from the start, White Bird Clarifies that audience do not need to see Wonder Before watching this one. While Wonder Helps enhance the story, offering a deeper background for Julian and why Sara’s story is so important, previous events are not mentioned in specific detail. Most of the movie also takes place in the early to mid-1940s, focusing on France’s Nazi occupation and how Sara was forced into hiding to avoid being killed or taken away. This allows the sequel to stand on its own, giving it accessibility to those unfamiliar with its previous installment.
Because of its mostly standalone nature, White Bird It takes his time to delve into his core characters, namely Sara and the Julian she knew as a child. The story of Sarah hiding from the Nazis is a complete by-the-numbers tale when compared to other World War Two movies. This includes the tension of multiple close calls, along with the dynamic relationship she and Julian end up forming. however, The core performances of Glasser and Schwerdt enhance the predictable nature of the storyResulting in a lot of heart-stopping scenes along with heartwarming moments as the couple make the best of a bleak situation.
Behind White Birds uplifting tone and stellar cast, however, there are some shaky moments that feel out of place compared to the majority of the film.
Along with the cast of White BirdThe standout aspects of the film involve the creative ways in which it showcases art and imagination as core elements of finding light in dark times. Sara quickly established herself as a talented artist, with a brief conversation with her teacher early on inspiring her to pursue it as a career path. Her creativity is a source of hope for herself and Julian As the story progresses, emphasized by Forster’s careful direction and many healthy moments throughout the Mark Bomback-penned script.
White Bird’s uplifting lessons make for a shaky third act
The ending of the movie is a mixed bag
Behind White Birds uplifting tone and stellar cast, however, are Some shaky moments that feel out of place compared to the majority of the film. One standout section happens in the third act, just as the movie’s story is heading in an emotionally powerful direction. While this segment results in strong performances from Glaser, Schwerdt, and Jacobs in particular, it dips too much into predictable tropes for the story, setting the course for a less satisfying direction. Although the film’s ending is a bit contrived for this, it dampens some emotional aspects that would have been stronger with a less conventional finale.
even so, The vast majority of the film taps into the idea of finding hope In one of the darkest moments of human history. The fact that Sara and Julian are so young yet forced to experience these world-changing events makes it easy to relate to them as their stories unfold. And although the figure of Wonder Did not repeat their roles except for Geisar, he and Mirren’s performances were highlights that emphasized the importance of Sarah’s story in today’s day. This blending of time periods helps emphasize the generational lessons present in the story.
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Although some aspects of the film left much to be desired, the admirable themes make up White Bird Stand out as a gripping World War II story told from the most innocent of perspectives. With strong performances from its lead actors and a powerful, emotional story, it resonates Wonder Sequel is a strong follow up. Despite its flaws, the film has plenty of memorable, engaging moments thanks to strong characters and a story that feels true to history and offers some hope along the way.
White Bird Hits theaters on Friday, October 4. The film is 120 minutes long and rated PG-13 for some strong violence, thematic material and language.
White Bird follows Julian’s transformative journey after his expulsion from Becher Prep, as his grandmother tells her courageous story of survival in Nazi-occupied France, where she was sheltered by a classmate amid growing dangers.
- Strong characters and performances elevate the story
- The film is deeply hopeful
- The story is emotional and resonant
- The third act of the film is shaky
- The story takes predictable paths