Bird Can't Fly

Bird Can't Fly is a compelling 2007 drama flick written and directed by Threes Anna, a talented Dutch author and film director. The film features a stellar lineup of international actors, with American actress Barbara Hershey (an award-winning star known for her roles in The Entity and Black Swan), South African actor Tony Kgoroge (Invictus), and young actor Yusuf Davids.

In the movie, Barbara Hershey portrays the role of Melody (a woman of mixed descent), who returns to her birthplace in the barren desert village of Fairlands for the funeral of her estranged daughter. After many years living abroad in the United States, she struggles to adapt to the desolate environment and harsh climate of her native land. The village is depicted as an almost post-apocalyptic place, where sandstorms are regular, a lake has dried up, and bird life has mysteriously disappeared.

A series of intense events and interactions gradually unravels as Melody strives to comprehend the bizarre circumstances surrounding her daughter’s life and death. She seeks to understand her daughter through the silent, sorrowful gaze of a 10-year-old boy named River, brilliantly portrayed by Yusuf Davids, who was supposed to be her grandson, as stated by locals. However, having sharp features and pale skin, River is evidently different from the inhabitants of the village, turning him into a symbol of mystery to Melody.

Tony Kgoroge plays the role of Scoop, a lifeguard and part-time mortician, who becomes Melody’s guide and support system in Fairlands. His character embodies a distinctive blend of warmth, understanding, and quiet resolution. With his help, Melody embarks on a journey of self-discovery and attempts to patch the fragmented puzzle pieces of her daughter’s life as well as her own past.

The barren and desolate landscape of Fairlands, the sombre aura, the abode of few, struggling souls, and the pesky buzzing flies, all serve as a metaphor of the emotional void and the unresolved issues tormenting Melody. The disappearance of birds from the village, hinted at in the title, symbolises a lack of freedom, a lack of aspiration, or even the death of dreams. This is an intriguing plot element that complements the storyline and ignites curiosity among the audience.

Under Threes Anna's direction, the movie is a poignant exploration of grief, identity, motherhood, and redemption. It powerfully captures the struggle of a woman to come to terms with her own past while trying to understand her daughter’s life. At the same time, it offers an intriguing insight into the complexities of human relationships and the profound impact of the past on the present.

The outstanding cinematography of the movie vividly captures the desolation of the deserted South African landscape, which becomes a palpable metaphor of the protagonists’ inner turmoil. This complements the film's poignant narrative and enhances its visual appeal.

With its complex characters, intriguing plot-development, and visually stunning portrayal of a starkly desolate setting, Bird Can't Fly offers a thought-provoking cinematic experience. The emotionally charged performances by the leads, especially Barbara Hershey, add depth to their characters and make the film a compelling watch.

The film poses several questions about identity, belonging, and the essence of human relationships through its character’s narratives and the bare, sparse landscape in which it is set. All these elements collectively shape Bird Can't Fly into an evocative tale of sorrow, introspection, and ultimately, hope. Despite its sombre undertone, by the film's conclusion, the audience is left with a resilient sense of optimism and belief in the human spirit's capacity to heal and love.

Bird Can't Fly is a remarkable piece of cinema that transcends geographic and cultural boundaries to convey a universally relatable human story. It serves as a testament to the resilience and determination inherent in the human spirit, which has the ability to confront painful pasts and diligently seek answers, solace, and personal healing. For those who appreciate nuanced characterizations and are fascinated by the exploration of deep emotional landscapes, this film is definitely one to add to the watch list.