Birdeater

There’s a lot to admire about Birdeater. Good performances abound, the technical craft, sound, cinematography, and especially the editing, are all rock solid, and there is a wonderful attentiveness to visual semiotics, making even the most minor detail feel carefully selected. But the film ultimately flounders, betrayed by weak foundations.

The plot follows bride-and-groom-to-be Irene (Shabana Azeez) and Louie (Mackenzie Fearnley). They have a year’s worth of relationship issues, none of which are being discussed. All of this not-talking has caused Irene to develop intense separation anxiety: she has panic attacks if she doesn’t know where Louie is, which are managed only through the use of dubious pills, and her condition is deteriorating.