Overview
A poignant tale of friendship and survival unfolds against the backdrop of war-torn France.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- solemn
- heartfelt
- suspenseful
- historical drama night
- family discussion
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film emotionally compelling and carefully crafted, while noting that its earnest Holocaust drama sometimes becomes preachy or sentimental.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Grandmère's account of her youth is framed as a story shared with Julian.
Young Sara is hidden by a French family while Nazi forces control the village.
Julien, once shunned by Sara and her classmates, becomes her savior and best friend.
The wartime story is connected to Julian's present-day struggles with bullying and belonging.
Films like White Bird, and why
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
shared Holocaust-era coming-of-age drama, moral courage, and intimate suspense
The Book Thief
shared wartime historical drama centered on persecution, sacrifice, and human compassion
Life Is Beautiful
shared youth-focused World War II drama balancing danger, friendship, and hope
The Zookeeper's Wife
shared accessible Holocaust drama emphasizing survival, kindness, and remembrance
Movie Details
- Director
- Marc Forster
- Release Date
- 2023-10-25
- Runtime
- 121 min
- Rating
- 7.8 / 10 (250)
Cast
- Ariella Glaser
- Orlando Schwerdt
- Bryce Gheisar
- Gillian Anderson
- Helen Mirren
- Jo Stone-Fewings
- Patsy Ferran
- Stuart McQuarrie
- Olivia Ross
- Ishai Golan
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Stingray Karaoke Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is White Bird about?
- A Jewish girl's perilous refuge in occupied France becomes an intergenerational story of friendship, sacrifice, and moral courage.
- What is White Bird like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of White Bird as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is White Bird violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in White Bird as moderate.
- What did critics think of White Bird?
- Critics broadly found the film emotionally compelling and carefully crafted, while noting that its earnest Holocaust drama sometimes becomes preachy or sentimental.
- Which films are like White Bird?
- Films with a similar feel include The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, The Book Thief, Life Is Beautiful, and The Zookeeper's Wife.
- How long is White Bird?
- White Bird runs 121 minutes.
- Where can I watch White Bird?
- In United States, White Bird streams on Stingray Karaoke Amazon Channel.
