Andrea Arnold’s latest film “Bird” premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where it received a seven-minute standing ovation. The movie stars Barry Keoghan as Bug, a young father living in a squat in Gravesend, and Nykiya Adams as his daughter, Bailey. Keoghan’s character faces various domestic challenges, including an absent wife and an impending remarriage.

“Bird” depicts Bailey’s struggle to navigate adolescence and her involvement with her brother’s local vigilante group. She encounters a peculiar man named Bird, played by Franz Rogowski, and the film follows their evolving relationship as they both search for identity and connection amid familial chaos. The storyline emphasizes natural elements, often seen through Bailey’s phone videos, featuring seagulls, horses, and urban wildlife as recurring motifs.

The cast includes Jasmine Jobson as Peyton, Bug’s new romantic interest, and Jason Buda as Hunter, Bailey’s brother. The film presents a blend of social realism and magical realism, drawing comparisons to works like “Kes” and “Birdman.” Arnold revisits themes from her previous work “Fish Tank” with greater sophistication in “Bird.”

Barry Keoghan and Franz Rogowski attended the Cannes premiere and photocall, along with director Andrea Arnold and other cast members. The film’s exploration of nature’s resilience within urban environments provides a poignant backdrop to the narrative.