This smart, funny, and scary exploration of toxic relationships was a delightful surprise.

I went in expecting something a bit schlocky or sensationalist. It’s set at a buck’s party in the Australian bush and the synopsis promises ‘chaos’ and ‘a vicious nightmare’ but it’s much more clever and subtle than this makes it seem.

We start with a montage worthy of a romcom of the relationship of Louis (Mackenzie Fearnley) and Irene (Shabana Azeez). Cracks have appeared, though, as they near their impending wedding. Louis’s bright idea is to bring Irene along to his buck’s party – it’s modern! We soon find out he has a surprise planned and we can tell it’s probably not going to go well.

Directors Jack Clark, and James Weir, in their debut feature, do an astounding job with what looks like a tiny budget. They take their time with story, building and individual scenes. It feels very Australian but they manage to subvert stereotypes in a way that strengthens the narrative and the subtext.

It’s best not to know too much about the plot before seeing this as it unravels in a way you don’t expect. So if you haven’t seen it, stop reading here (and go and see it).

SPOILERS BELOW

Essentially, we are looking at toxic masculinity and it’s pervasiveness in traditional masculine roles and rituals. The buck’s party is a great symbol to use, and in this particular scenario, the remote location, and the combination of drugs and alcohol exacerbate what might normally remain hidden.

Where the story succeeds so well is in the assumptions we make about each character and what is exposed as more is revealed. It speaks volumes about the ‘good guys’ who present socially as benign, but are different behind closed doors, making it so much harder for those around them to see and call out controlling or abusive behaviours.

I loved how some of the male characters were on uncomplicated allies, showing the power of this, and how the women were more than just victims of coercive control. I particularly loved Ben Hunter’s betrayal of Dylan – am I the only one who sees a suppressed love for Louis?

This is skillful filmmaking and I hope it leads to more subversive storytelling from the duo.

Oh, and at a Q&A afterwards, the directors were asked why Birdeater? For those who are curious, it’s more or less for the vibe of it.

Directors: Jack Clark, Jim Weir
Origin: Australia (2023)
Language: English
Genre: Comedy , Drama , Thriller

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