By Romey Norton - December 2, 2024
Written, directed, and produced by Sanjay Patel, is the drama film The Birds Who Fear Death. Starring Adam Beach, Simon Baker, and Graham Greene the film follows two brothers, Adam and Ryan, disinherited and desperate for cash, who journey into the Canadian wilds to find themselves, reconnect with their people, and maybe get enough cash to save their late mothers restaurant.
When the brother's father dies, they discover that he willed his entire estate to the people of Bird, a rural Indigenous hamlet in Northern Canada he’d once betrayed. Through a journey to get their inheritance back, the brothers end up reconnecting and having a deeper understanding of their heritage. This indie film cleverly transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries gently and educationally. The film highlights how this is still a modern issue; there are still ongoing struggles for Indigenous communities regarding land and industrial exploitation.
The film begins with a memorable quote “The land is sacred. These words are at the core of your being. The Land is our mother, the rivers our blood. Take our land away and we die. That is, the Indian in us dies.” spoken by Mary Brave Bird.
The cinematography is stunning, with a mix of shots flitting between the suburbs of Toronto and the beautiful landscape of Bird. The script is strong, with some emotional sequences and thought-provoking themes. There is a nice, romantic storyline that adds another dynamic and conflict to the brother's story without being overbearing or unbelievable.
The acting is compelling. Adam Beach and Simon Baker play brothers effortlessly and their chemistry is undeniable. Their characters are complicated, complex, and cocky. But they have great character arcs, where they both learn something about themselves and are changed for the better. It sounds simple, but it's something lots of films don’t pull off well. They have some very funny moments too, where you might feel bad for laughing, but this comic relief is welcomed. Carmen Moore gives a strong, bold, and brave performance and puts real passion into her character.
As the film progresses, audiences can learn along with the two brothers and go on this journey. That’s the magic of cinema. When you feel as if you’re learning, being entertained, and hopeful for an inspiring and happy ending, you know the film is doing its job.
The brothers need the chief to sign a document for them to share the money left by their father. Because both parties need and want the money for good things, the film still showcases how money is the root of all things good and evil. However, there is a real sense of community created in Bird, that is missing from the corporate, capitalist, city-living way of life.
It’s odd how an ending can be both rushed and dragged out. However, it was far more dramatic than I anticipated, especially after the film had a little lul. It’s almost like they weren’t sure how to end the film, but they wanted it to be impactful. Reinforcing the journey and what is important in life.
This story may be a familiar tale of self-discovery and redemption, but that doesn’t mean it's not a worthy and wonderful film. The Birds Who Fear Death is a heartfelt and thought-provoking film about two brothers' emotional journey, exploring identity and cultural clashes. With beautiful cinematography, a strong script, and compelling acting, The Birds Who Fear Death is a must-watch!
The Birds Who Fear Death had its world premiere at the 2024 Calgary International Film Festival.
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