Last of Us star's 'exquisite' period film everyone is watching
The historical film is brimming with recognisable faces, but at the centre of it all is emerging British actor Bella Ramsey before they became a household name in the hit series The Last Of Us.
Catherine Called Birdy is a 2022 comedy flick, inspired by a 1994 novel and directed by Lena Dunham. After creating the renowned HBO show Girls and featuring in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, the filmmaker returned to the director's chair to craft this amusing coming-of-age story that viewers can't seem to get enough of.
Birdy, as Catherine is affectionately known, is a young girl of 14, living in the English countryside during the 13th century with her father, Lord Rollo, and their family. When the family coffers take a hit, Rollo decides the best solution is to arrange a marriage for his daughter Birdy.
In her characteristic mischievous style, Birdy does everything in her power to fend off potential suitors in an attempt to resist growing up and maintain her independence. Through a series of bizarre antics, she continues to ward off suitors, and through her diary entries, she documents the lessons learned along the way.
A review on Rotten Tomatoes reads: "Bella Ramsey delivers a standout performance in Catherine Called Birdy, effortlessly bringing to life the rebellious, witty, and fiercely independent Birdy. With a magnetic screen presence, Ramsey captures the spirit of a young girl pushing back against medieval societal norms with sharp humour and modern sensibility, all while staying grounded in the emotional weight of her circumstances.
Another captivated viewer shared: "Brilliant. Excellent dialogue. Engaging. Performances were top-notch", reports the Express.
Meanwhile, another described the film as both "exquisite" and "flawless".
Taking on the role of Birdy's father is none other than Andrew Scott, renowned for his role in BBC's Fleabag, whilst her mother is portrayed by British TV icon Billie Piper.
Adding to the star-studded cast are Joe Alwyn and Paul Kaye, alongside Harry Potter's David Bradley. The film introduced many fans to Bella Ramsey for the first time, following their appearance in Netflix's Hilda, but before their rise to stardom in The Last of Us alongside Hollywood heartthrob Pedro Pascal. However, the filming in Shropshire back in 2021 was a world away from the red carpets they would soon be gracing.
Viewers have been quick to laud the performance of the rising star, writing: "Consistently funny and with great performances throughout. The dialogue and pacing are great - not a dull moment!"
Lena Dunham, known for her sharp wit, has channelled her comedic prowess into another venture, a Netflix project titled Too Much.
This series, while retaining the humour of Catherine Called Birdy and featuring a female lead, delves into the experiences of an American navigating life in London.
For those craving Dunham's endearing character development and Ramsey's powerful performance, Catherine Called Birdy is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
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