14/17
Bailey lives with her brother Hunter and their father Bug, who raises them alone in a squat in North Kent. Bug doesn’t have much time for them. Bailey seeks attention and adventure elsewhere. Barry Keoghan left Gladiator II (2024) to star in this film. Edited as Fontaines D.C.: Bug (2024). Too Real Written by Grian Chatten, Conor Curley, Conor Deegan III, Tom Coll and Carlos O’Connell Starring Fontaines D.C. This is an excellent coming-of-age story, reminiscent of “Wild Diamond” but, in my opinion, even better done. We follow the life of Bailey, a 12-year-old girl living in impoverished areas of the UK. From the beginning, it is clear that Bailey perceives the world differently from those around her. Nature, animals and especially birds symbolize freedom and lightness, a feeling that is vividly felt. Bailey meets Bird, a character who embodies the person she aspires to be. At first, she mocks Bird, but eventually her mockery turns to admiration. Bailey faces numerous challenges, and Bird subtly guides her toward resolution. Some questions remain unanswered, but the specific answers aren’t important to me. The journey and growth Bailey experiences is what really matters.
