Catherine Called Birdy movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Catherine Called Birdy

This comedy-drama movie was released in theaters September 23, 2022, and is now available to stream online.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 48 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A-

IN A NUTSHELL:

This irreverent medieval romp was written and directed by Lena Dunham, and based on the book by Karen Cushman.

A 14-year-old girl in medieval England navigates through life and avoids potential suitors her father has in mind.

THINGS I LIKED:

Bella Ramsey does an excellent job in this medieval coming-of-age tale and seems like what Lena Denham would have actually been like as a teen. It’s surprising that this is Bella’s first role in a feature film. She’s a natural.
Lesley Sharp plays an adorable nanny, and Andrew Scott gives a powerful performance that impressed me with his depth.
The set designs are fantastic and completely believable.
Russell Brand gives a hilarious performance. Have you seen his YouTube channel lately where he rants excitedly about politics in an entertaining fashion?
The diverse cast is great and also includes Billie Piper, Joe Alwyn, Sophie Okonedo, Paul Kaye, Dean-Charles Chapman, Archie Renaux, and Michael Woolfitt.
There is a lot of cheeky humor that will make you laugh out loud, as well as snicker inside.
There’s a delightful, youthful energy while simultaneously painting an old-fashioned sensibility of the Middle Ages.
Fun soundtrack!

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

In the last scene, Bella Ramsey breaks the 4^th wall, which is both funny and incongruent with the style of the entire movie. I haven’t decided yet if I liked that choice.
There’s a lot of talk about a girl’s monthly period.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Talk of how babies are made and menstruation. We see blood on some pieces of fabric.
We have to read some text on the screen.
You might have to explain to your kids how things were in Medieval Europe.

THEMES:

FUNNY LINES:

“You are the most wealthy captive I know.” – Morwenna (Lesley Sharp)
“My truest passions are avoiding my chores.” – Catherine (Bella Ramsey)
“My truest passions are avoiding my chores.” – Catherine (Bella Ramsey)
“I am dying. It is plain to see.” – Catherine (Bella Ramsey)
“I’m ever so confused about what God is getting at here.” – Catherine (Bella Ramsey)
“Farting drumsticks!” – Catherine (Bella Ramsey)
“The saints were just dinguses.” – Catherine (Bella Ramsey)