Further proof Australia may be doing the best genre cinema in the world.
Australia has long been home to great genre movies and in recent years has made a strong claim for having some of the best output in cinema. Birdeater is an anxious and wild Australia import playing at South by Southwest. Louie (Mackenzie Fearnley, The Artful Dodger) invites his fiancé Irene (Shabana Azeez, Run Rabbit Run) to his bachelor party. Over the course of an evening that involves lots of drinking and other activities, dark secrets are revealed.
The cold open hints at what the type of relationship Louie and Irene are in. Built on routine and possibly convenience, there is obviously something off about the whole thing. There are moments of physical affection, but it seems to be lacking in love. Louie is cold, distant, and seems controlling. For her part, Irene is meek and does not seem to mind their odd arrangement.
Once Birdeater crosses over to the isolated house where the group will be holding their party, things become a little clearer. The revelations become increasingly darker and shocking while themes of toxic masculinity, dependence, and trust are all explored. With each passing second things become more uncomfortable.
Directors Jack Clark and Jim Weir (who also wrote the film) keep the audience on the edge of their seats in a number of ways. Even before secrets are shared, the situation is a tense one. Louie has a grand plan for the gathering and there is an air of mystery the entire time. Louie’s plan can be generously described as romantic, though overbearing and aggressive would probably be more accurate. But even taking his scheme out of the equation, there is an overall sinister atmosphere to everything.
Birdeater gets across this feeling by focusing on its characters, primarily the males. Once they are away from civilization, they each take on almost primal characteristics. This is seen most in Dylan (Ben Hunter) who is loud, abrasive, and constantly angry. Though the others try at times to distance themselves from his influence, they always seem to get sucked back in.
There is little development given to the females, but this ends up adding to the story being told. Much like the men, Birdeater is intentionally ignoring Irene and Grace (Clementine Anderson). The difference is the boys in the film are manipulative. The film picks what moments to highlight the women and in doing so makes them stronger. It is a neat bit of storytelling.
Birdeater is visually impressive, with great use of color and framing. Quick cuts and loud music disorients and succeeds in pulling those watching into the movie’s chaotic world. An argument can be made that there is too much chaos going on. That being said, its powerful tale is a disconcerting one that is simultaneously engaging and unattractive.