White Bird is an emotional and gripping story based on the novel of the same name by R.J Palacio, the author of Wonder.

The film sees Julian struggling to fit into his new school after being expelled from his previous school for his treatment of Auggie Pullman (which can be seen in the film Wonder). Julian is visited by his grandmother (played by Helen Mirren) and is transform by the compassionate and heroic story of her attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France during World War Two.

This film is being released in association with Kingdom Story Company (Unsung Hero, Ordinary Angles), while this is not a Christian faith-based film there are hints of faith, it does amplify light and hope, it encourages us to love our enemies and to treat everyone with kindness. It shows the treatment and persecution of the Jews during World War Two. Unfortunately there is one use of the s-word int he film.

The film is well directed by Marc Forster (Finding Neverland) and features a strong cast including Helen Mirren, Gillian Anderson, Bryce Gheisar, Ariella Glaser and Orland Schwerdt. The cinematography is great and the film features some great locations and sets that transport you back in time to wartime France. Whilst set in France the actors all speak with a British accent, which follows the usual period piece movies, however when the odd French accent or French phrase is uttered it feels out of place. 

The story is wonderfully told, it is an emotional mix of a teen romance set during the holocaust, it will have you on the edge of your seat, and encourages us to treat others with kindness no matter who they are and how different they might be. 

Overall White Bird is an emotional, gripping drama which encourages us to be kind to others, to treat everyone with respect and is a much needed message is today’s world.