BIRDIE

BIRDIE is a new faith-based drama streaming on Pure Flix. It follows a recently released convict who wants nothing more than to reconnect to his 8-year-old daughter, but her grandparents struggle to forgive him for what happened in the past. BIRDIE is an endearing, well-produced movie that champions faith and Christianity while not shying away from heavy themes such as recover from substance abuse and violence, so MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for older children.

The movie opens and introduces Luke Bellamy, who’s being released from prison. His brother, Simon, picks him up and drives him home. It is implied that their parents died while Luke was in prison. After visiting their graveyard, Luke arrives at his childhood home and is overcome with emotion. He wants nothing more than to see his 8-year-old daughter.

Simon advises Luke take the night to rest. He warns Luke that his daughter’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, may not be as thrilled for them to reconnect as Luke. Luke clings to his Bible but has trouble sleeping.

The next day, he visits his daughter’s grandparent’s house, but the visit doesn’t go well. Her grandpa yells at Luke to leave his property and that he doesn’t forgive him for what he did to their daughter, his wife.

The next day, however, Luke seems motivated to find a job and see his daughter. He meets his parole officer, who tells Luke he can’t drive and that he’ll be watched closely for possession of any drugs, weapons or illegal substances. This prompts Luke to purchase a bicycle as a means of transportation.

On his way home from looking for work, Luke stops by the elementary school his daughter attends. However, they call the cops on him because they don’t recognize him as her father. As the officer puts handcuffs on Luke, his daughter and her grandma see what’s happening. They quickly intercede, although Mrs. Cooper is apprehensive about talking to Luke. She says she did it because she’s a Christian woman. So, Luke convinces them to buy a milkshake and talk.

Although Luke enjoyed the time with his daughter, Mr. Cooper isn’t happy. The audience learns that Luke was in prison because he killed his wife while driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Although Mrs. Cooper sees that Luke loves his daughter and vice versa, she’s afraid she can’t convince her husband to forgive Luke for what he did.

Luke understands that forgiveness isn’t earned, but he’s determined to protect and care for his daughter in any way he can. Luke and the Coopers must face the past and rely on God’s Word to overcome their past grief and anger while keeping Luke’s daughter in mind.

BIRDIE is an endearing, well-produced movie that champions faith and Christianity while not shying away from reality. That being said, it does address some heavy themes like violence and recovering from substance abuse. In the end, BIRDIE shows the power of forgiveness and of God’s Word. It’s full of faith elements like going to church, prayer and family. MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for older children because of the movie’s thematic elements about the past.