Bailey seeks attention and adventure elsewhere
Tale
Bailey lives with her brother Hunter and father Bug, who raise her alone in a squat in North Kent. Bug doesn’t have much time to devote to them. Barry Keoghan dropped out of Gladiator II (2024) to star in this film instead.
Fontaines edited it as DC: Bug (2024)
The film’s cinematography is unconventional, using shaky, dynamic and fast-paced shots. It’s a stylistic choice that I both loved and hated. The aspect ratio and shooting format added an aesthetic that perfectly suited the film’s raw, raw tone.
, immersing yourself in the culture depicted in the film
The plot is a nostalgic collection of clips that weave love, hate, drama and conflict into Bailey’s story. The soundtrack, a mix of rock, ambient, UK hip-hop and indie, is another highlight. I was captivated by the insights into Bailey’s life – the way she lives it, the people she meets, and the culture that shapes her world.
Still, it’s refreshing to see a story centered around flawed, raw characters
It’s so removed from the average middle-class experience that it feels authentic and relatable. At times, the narrative shifts between characters, and I’m unsure of the film’s focus. While we’re used to polishing films with beautiful people, Bird embraces the messy, ugly and finds beauty in it.
The film feels deeply personal, and I have shared feelings and mixed emotions
While it may not resonate with everyone, its (symbolic) meaning is its true power.