Little Wing is a film about hope and perseverance. It is a coming-of-age story about a girl who finds her way in life through pigeon racing. This movie has some tense scenes and some suggestive material, but there is no nudity or sex.
The Story
Brooklynn Prince (The Florida Project) delivers a stunning performance as Kaitlyn, the young girl who is dragged into the world of pigeon racing. She struggles with her parents divorce and the loss of their home, and seeks solace in a new friend and her bird hobby.
The director Selma Vilhunen helms this picture with considerable skill, and the actors all bring a great deal of authenticity to their roles. This is a well-crafted movie with a lot of heart, and it deserves to find an audience.
The film does have some adult themes such as suicide and discussions of war, but these are kept to a minimum. The film also contains some mild to moderate suspense and some animal violence. The PG-13 rating includes brief strong language and some suggestive material. There are some scenes of intense dodgeball that may be a hazard for younger viewers, and one scene with slight peril that could be a triggering factor for those with epilepsy.
The Cast
Little Wing is a coming-of-age story that uses pigeon racing to explore the importance of family and home. The film stars Brooklynn Prince, who channels the look and tone of a young Kelly Macdonald, as teen pigeon fancier Kaitlyn. She lives with her mother, Maddie (Kelly Reilly), who is a detective for the Portland police. Kaitlyn blames her bad behavior on her parents’ recent divorce.
The film also stars Brian Cox as Jaan, a pigeon racer who becomes an unlikely mentor to Kaitlyn. Cox, who has a wide-ranging movie and TV career that includes his role as media mogul Logan Roy in the hit US series Succession, brings subtle dimensions to his character.
Other members of the cast include Lowell Deo, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Jeanine Jackson and Parker Hall. The film was written by Academy Award-nominated scribe John Gatins (Flight) and directed by Dean Israelite (Are You Afraid of the Dark?). It was executive produced by DGA Award nominee Karen Rosenfelt and Donald De Line. Filming took place in and around Portland, Oregon.
The Director
The movie is a coming-of-age drama based on the New Yorker article by Susan Orlean, and it stars Brooklynn Prince as Kaitlyn, a teen girl who struggles with her parents’ divorce and the impending sale of their home. But she finds a purpose and a sense of belonging in the world of racing pigeons.
Little Wing, which premiered this week on Paramount, has a strong pedigree – it was written by Academy Award-nominated scribe John Gatins and directed by Dean Israelite (Are You Afraid of the Dark?). But it’s 13-year-old Prince’s captivating performance that truly elevates the film.
The film also features the acting talents of Brian Cox and Kelly Reilly, both of whom deliver powerful performances. But the heart of the film lies in its connection with pigeons. And while Little Wing may occasionally veer toward the more substantial teen-angst insights of recent hits such as Eighth Grade and The Edge of Seventeen, it’s ultimately a film that will resonate with many audiences. It’s a rare gem in the crowded streaming-era of teen dramas.
The Script
The film’s heartwarming story is set against the backdrop of a resourceful teen’s quest to alleviate her family’s financial woes. The film available on gnula also explores themes of self-discovery and unexpected connections.
Director Selma Vilhunen demonstrates her documentary sensibilities with a light touch, avoiding the overly earnest and cloying trappings of so many contemporary kids’ movies. Brooklynn Prince, fresh from Sean Baker’s The Florida Project, acquits herself nicely as Kaitlyn. She captures the essence of a teenage girl, brimming with the usual angst and me-against-the-world stance that distinguishes this age group.
As her mother, Paula Vesala is also believable as a devoted caretaker. Little Wing’s real-life inspiration, Susan Orlean’s New Yorker article about her family’s history with pigeon racing, lends the film credibility. The resulting drama, which strays from the original source material in some respects, ultimately rises on the strength of its cast. The actors, including Brian Cox and a young Linnea Skog as Varpu, invest their characters with considerable warmth. Despite the film’s slight narrative lapses, Little Wing is a charming tale of familial ties and perseverance.
The Rating
Little Wing is a touching story about family, friendship, and the power of community. The film maintains a simple approach to visual storytelling, eschewing flashy scenes in favor of more realistic and relatable moments. It is also a very moving story about the loss of innocence and the search for meaning in life.
Brooklynne Prince is excellent as Kaitlyn, capturing the essence of a teenage girl with authenticity and nuance. The movie also captures the complexity of teenage emotions, avoiding the stereotypical depictions of angry youth. The film’s pacing can occasionally feel uneven, but it is still an effective drama overall.
While the movie may be predictable, it is nonetheless a compelling story about family and friendship. The performances by the cast are top-notch, and the script is well-crafted. The film is a touching and emotional drama that will appeal to both children and adults. This is a must-see movie!
