White Bird,a follow-up to 2017’sWonder, has set a digital release date. Directed by Marc Forster, the film expands theWonderuniverse, which grossed $315 million globally. WhileWonderfocused on Auggie Pullman’s challengeswith Treacher Collins syndrome in a middle school setting,White Birdshifts to a historical narrative centered on Auggie’s bully, Julian (played by Bryce Gheisar), who visits his grandmother (Helen Mirren) in France following his expulsion from school and learns of her survival story during the Nazi occupation of France in World War II.
After a limited theatrical run earlier this month, the digital release on VOD offersWhite Birda renewed opportunity to connect with home audiences. According toCollider, the movie will beavailable at home starting on November 1. Viewers will be able to either rent or buy the movie, which is based on the novel byWonderauthor R.J. Palacio.
Did you know? The film was originally scheduled for release in September 2022, but was delayed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.
White Bird
Cast
White Bird follows Julian’s transformative journey after his expulsion from Beecher Prep, as his grandmother recounts her courageous story of survival in Nazi-occupied France, where she was sheltered by a classmate amidst growing dangers.
White Birdtakes the heartfelt themes ofWonderand explores them on a deeper, historically perceptive level. Mirren delivers a powerful performance as Julian’s Grandmère as she recounts her harrowing experiences during WWII. Her character becomes a beacon of resilience, transforming Julian’s journey froma troubled boy to one learning vital lessons of kindness and humility.
ThesupportingWhite Birdcastdelivers strong performances, with talent such as Ariella Glaser as Sara Blum, who is Grandmère’s younger self, Orlando Schwerdt as Julien Beaumier, and Gillian Anderson as Julien Beaumier’s mother. The cast excels at contributing poignant emotional depth to the realistic experiences of the characters. These performances aid in illuminating the themes of the narrative, makingWhite Birda compelling watch for those who enjoy heartfelt yet sensitive films.
What Screen Rant has said aboutWhite Bird:
Even so,the vast majority of the film taps into the idea of finding hope within one of the darkest moments of human history. The fact Sara and Julian are so young yet are forced to experience these world-changing events makes it easy to connect with them as their stories unfold. And although the cast ofWonderdidn’t reprise their roles aside from Gheisar, he and Mirren’s performances were highlights that accentuated the importance of Sara’s story in the modern day. This blend of time periods helps emphasize the generational lessons present in the story. -White Bird Review: Helen Mirren Leads Predictable World War II Tale Uplifted By Emotional Story
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