White Bird
White Bird
Struggling to fit in at his new school after being expelled for his treatment of Auggie Pullman, Julian is visited by his grandmother and is transformed by the story of her attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France during World War II.
Patrick Keller reviewedMarch 16, 2025
'White Bird' is a tough but beautiful watch that’s now a staple in my Plex library. The era of Hitler’s reign and the brutal persecution and torment of Jews is always harrowing to see on screen—it’s a gut punch every time. The fact that one person, let alone an entire movement, could embrace such vile hatred toward others is revolting and should’ve been stamped out before it even took root. This movie brings that dark history to life through young Sara, a French girl growing up under Nazi occupation, as told by her older self (Helen Mirren) to her grandson. It’s her way of showing him why bullying is never okay, using her own story of survival. What really shines is her bond with Julien, a boy who risks everything—his life, his family’s safety—to show her kindness and compassion in a time when that could mean death. Their relationship is the heart of this film, a quiet defiance against the cruelty around them. It’s a powerful reminder of courage and humanity, perfect for anyone on Plex who can handle the heavy but hopeful.