Odd Bird
According to the dictionary, the word ‘fear’ is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat. This feeling of fear often incarcerates us from the freedom of living with peace and truth. However, what if it is our truth that ignites the fear in our hearts and clouds the peace within us? Would you simply continue living with fear, believing that the outcome will give you the same feeling? Or face the truth and gamble on whatever certainty it will bestow upon your fate? The reason behind this small talk about ‘truths and fears’ is because we, if not all of us living creatures in this world live with it, some get by with it every day, some overcome it, but there are many among us that are dying inside every day with the fear knowing that their truth would harm others and cause more pain than what is already felt, just like Clark in the lovely and heartwarming film I am about to share with you all called “Odd Bird” written and directed by Katy Dore.
“Odd Bird” is a story of courage, emancipation, and unconditional love. These three factors are often the missing pieces that hinder our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters from getting pass the fear from their truth, particularly from their own family and loved ones. Director Katy Dore brought me closer to this situation where the fear of coming out or revealing the truth about one’s identity is the root cause of lack of communication and misunderstanding in the family, due to the fear of rejection, hate, and hurt it will cause to the ones they care and love the most. The story of Odd Bird is a meaningful tale of a boy named Clark, who lived in a conservative ranch and channels his inner self through creating a comic manuscript. Now Clark, a young man, journeys back home to get his comic manuscript and finally decides to tell his truth to his family. Will he get the reaction he has been expecting all his life? Or will things turn out in ways he never would have imagined? That you have to find out for yourselves folks, so better catch this outstanding film as soon as it hits theaters and festivals near you.
To wrap up the review for this wonderful film, I am giving this movie a very high score with soaring pride colors. I love how director Katy Dore shifts the energy of the film which made it unpredictable. Plus, the cast did their part exquisitely good; Michael Varde, Betsy Moore, and Jacob Peacock all connected and gave out a genuine performance transmitting the core message of the movie. The animation of Clark’s comic manuscript was pretty neat too. I like it a lot. Lastly, I am at awe and inspired that director Katy Dore uses her love for filmmaking to shed awareness, understanding, and love about our LGBTQ+ family who can’t find the voice to come out because of the fear that has been hounding them. I am certain that this movie will enlighten a lot of people of the acceptance and unconditional love that starts within the family. Absolutely beautiful and outstanding movie, award-worthy work from Team Odd Bird, Cheers!