40
The best moments in Bird People soar to such heights that you almost want to forgive the parts that amount to mere droppings.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
100
The New York Times by A.O. Scott
There are plot twists, and then there is what Ms. Ferran does here, which is to transform — impetuously, improbably and altogether marvelously — this somber, realistic tale into something else entirely.
50
RogerEbert.com by Brian Tallerico
Demoustier is a charming young actress. And there are clearly interesting ideas taking flight here. It’s the execution of the flight plan that keeps them from reaching their destination.
63
Slant Magazine by Jesse Cataldo
Pascale Ferran's film isn't daring enough to fully embrace the narrative fragmentation that it sporadically assumes.
70
The Hollywood Reporter by Jordan Mintzer
It’s a tricky proposition that will surely ruffle the feathers of many viewers, but one that also makes a curious, if lasting, impression, thanks in part to strong turns from actors Anais Demoustier and Josh Charles.
90
Village Voice by Melissa Anderson
Firmly rooted in everyday particulars — primarily the transactions (business, emotional, or otherwise) facilitated by the time- and space-obliterating devices to which we are constantly tethered — Ferran's movie dares to venture, for much of its second half, into fantasy.
91
The A.V. Club by Mike D'Angelo
It’s also just magnificently goofy, unafraid to court ridicule and confident enough to take captivating detours.
80
The emotions evoked by Bird People should be familiar to anyone who ever stared out the window of a classroom, imagining what it would be like to leave school, hop on a bike, and go for a ride around the mostly empty neighborhood.
50
The Playlist by Oliver Lyttelton
There are moments of beauty and charm, but also ones that felt rather broad, like an extract from a live-action Disney movie or something. It is fitfully interesting, but nearly broke our twee detectors.
60
Where the film goes is both unexpected and necessary, since however grounded and relatable these thinly detailed characters might be, the movie doesn’t actually seem to be going anywhere.