Review of White Bird in a Blizzard (2014) by Robert H — 01 Nov 2014

WHITE BIRD IN A BLIZZARD is part mystery, and part coming-of-age tale, but doesn't really commit to either one. However, the performances and the atmosphere created by Gregg Araki are enough to warrant a viewing. The story is about Kat Connor (Shailene Woodley), a young woman who is finally coming into her own sexuality. One day her mother Eve (Eva Green) disappears without a trace, and the film unfolds in past and present as Kat's past with her mother come to light while Kat also comes into her own as a woman.

I thought the leads in the film were very excellent. First, Shailene Woodley did a superb job at a character she's been playing for a few years now, although she takes it places in this film that he hasn't taken herself before, physically and emotionally. Eva Green, despite her limited screen time, gave a great campy performance as Kat's mother Eve, a somewhat stereotypical bored suburban housewife, but nevertheless her character casts an ominous shadow over the entire film. There was also Christopher Meloni who plays Kat's father, Brock. His character was a pushover and a wimp, and Meloni played him with great subtlety and nuance.

However, despite the bang-up job of the cast the story still left some things to be desired. First of all, there are many other better films which have tackled coming-of-age, mystery and suburban banality with far greater depth of meaning than is presented here. The film seemed content to dabble with well-established tropes without venturing into new territory. At worst you could say that this film is derivative in nature, but the fact that it's so well-executed makes it the cinematic equivalent of comfort food. Gregg Araki is in his element here, in yet another 80's period piece, and since it's a landscape that he knows well the end result is at least fascinatingly watchable.

Overall, when it comes to Gregg Araki's previous work this feels diluted in terms of form and content, but the cast elevates the material. And as usual, the ethereal score and period soundtrack are superb. For those unfamiliar with Gregg Araki and his previous work, however, this wouldn't be a bad entry point. Just don't go in expecting something revolutionary or groundbreaking. However, for someone who is familiar with his previous films, particularly MYSTERIOUS SKIN, he seems to be coasting artistically at this point.