80
The filmmakers, like the songbirds they advocate for, are only messengers, but their message is persuasive and terrifying.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
80
The New York Times by Helen T. Verongos
Overall, the arguments are persuasive, the message from the birds powerful, and the film a rich and satisfying call to action that is presented with some novel ideas for how to restore the ecological balance.
70
Los Angeles Times by Martin Tsai
The slow-motion close-ups alone should convince you these magnificent creatures are well worth the effort.
83
Christian Science Monitor by Peter Rainer
One of the main rallying points of The Messenger is that birds have “something to tell us” about the environment’s mounting ecological hazards. The canary in a coal mine phenomenon, according to this film, has assumed global proportions.
70
The Hollywood Reporter by Sheri Linden
The doc’s stunning slo-mo footage of midair locomotion emphasizes these messengers’ grace and mystery.