Review of Little Birds (2011) by Casey B — 12 Jun 2013

From my perspective this is a coming of age story, but most importantly a story about FRIENDSHIP. Furthermore it is depressing and makes you feel so grateful for what you have, reinforcing the old adage of never taking anything for granted.

Our protagonists Lily (Juno Temple) and Alison (Kay Panabaker) are two disadvantaged teens living on the shores of Salton Sea- the largest lake in CA with a salinity exceeding 4.0% w/v (saltier than seawater) and many species of fish can no longer survive so there are plenty of dead fish around.

Lily yearns for something better and to escape her miserable surroundings and boring life whereas Alison is happy in her comfort zone. One day they encounter some teen boys skateboarding near their neighborhood and become fast friends.

Lily vows to make it to Los Angeles (where the boys are from) and visit that magical city. What takes place next is a journey the girls will never forget that will test their friendship, courage, maturity.

The acting was very good for a primarily teen cast and of course watching the shots of Sunset Blvd in LA brings me memories. However; the message is loud and clear: Lily's LA adventure is nowhere near more encouraging or better than the environment she left behind!! Who on their right mind arrive to Los Angeles without money and a place to stay- well apparently these teens.

As an adult I can see all the mistakes made by our characters and I feared for the bad company the girls got mixed up with. Alison is the most mature of the bunch and this film gives you plenty to ponder about especially for those living in the City of Angels because the city can and will chew you up and spit you out if you come empty handed.

LA is NOT a city for the meek, for the timid, for the homeless..The films shocking ending though is a powerful statement to the meaning of FRIENDSHIP. So watch if you don't mind the sad, cruel and depressing reality that so many homeless teens face today in America.