Catherine Called Birdy Review: Dunham's Medieval Comedy Is Fun But Thin

Lena Dunham, best known for her work on HBO’s Girls, has made a career out of writing comedies and women characters who live in their own bubbles. While still comedic, Catherine Called Birdy, Dunham's fourth directorial feature and her second one this year following Sharp Stick, goes in a different, more light-hearted direction that is suitable for all ages, avoiding Dunham’s R-rated humor for a more watered down version of feminist themes.

SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY Based on the 1994 novel by Karen Cushman, the film follows Lady Catherine , or “Birdy” as she’s known by family and friends, in her endeavors to remain unmarried. The 14-year-old lives a relatively charmed life — for whatever charmed is in medieval times. Mother Lady Aislinn’s title gives Birdy privileges others don’t have, as well as wealth.

Birdy gets to be annoying and frustrating, self-involved, and selfish. She’s a teenager who is trying to find herself and her rebellious streak is warranted. The film’s comedy works for the most part, especially at the beginning as Birdy, who narrates her own story, introduces all the people in her life . Catherine Called Birdy does, however, begin to trail off in the middle, getting a bit lost in the repetition of Birdy ruining dinners and meetings with her suitors.

The film’s overall message is sweet. Birdy is so angry, frustrated, and miserable that she often doesn’t notice other people’s feelings. She would like them to be just as fed up with everything as she is, but she starts to realize that they might not share the same sentiments — and that’s okay. Birdy realizes that her own misery doesn’t have to be shared by others if they manage to find happiness of their own.

Catherine Called Birdy premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 2022. The film releases in limited theaters September 23 and on Prime Video October 7. It is 108 minutes long and is rated PG-13 for some suggestive material and thematic elements.

Source: Entertainment Trends (entertainmenttrends.net)

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