Common Sense Media Review
By Danny Brogan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartfelt medieval comedy adaptation tackles adult themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Catherine Called Birdy
What's the Story?
Set in 1290, CATHERINE CALLED BIRDY tells the story of a 14-year-old girl whose father, Lord Rollo (Andrew Scott), wants to marry her off in order to pay back his debts. However, Catherine (Bella Ramsey) -- or Birdy as she is known -- has other ideas. She sets about coming up with ways to deter potential suitors while navigating her way through all that adolescence throws at her.
Is It Any Good?
Adapted from a popular YA book of the same name, this sweet but edgy coming-of-age comedy is written and directed by Lena Dunham, best known for her breakout show Girls. Whereas that gave an honest and often explicit look at the lives of a group of 20-something women, Catherine Called Birdy turns its attention to female adolescence. In 13th century England, Catherine -- or Birdy as she is known on account of her collection of pet birds -- must deal with the challenges all young teenage girls face, albeit from a position of privilege. This includes navigating her way through her first crush and having her first period, something she goes to lengths to hide from her father for fear it will speed up his desire to marry her off.
Dunham skillfully manages to land the jokes consistently, despite at times dealing with heavy subject matter, including stillbirths and arranged marriages. A routine about "smallpox" is particularly funny. Scott, as Birdy's hapless father, in particular does a great job of keeping his character likable despite his at times abhorrent behavior. But it's Ramsey who is the real star. Flawed like any other 14-year-old, she keeps you rooting for her throughout. There's also a great soundtrack full of excellent cover versions to enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the themes around sex and relationships in Catherine Called Birdy. Are relationships affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
What character strengths did Birdy display? Would you describe her as a role model? What makes a good role model?
Did you find any scenes upsetting? Did the comedic tone make them less intense? If so, why do you think that was?
Talk about the way the female characters are treated by the men. Were you shocked to see a society like this? Why, or why not?
Have you read the original book? If so, how did this compare? If not, has this film inspired you to seek it out? What other movies based on books have you seen? How did this compare?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 23, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : October 7, 2022
- Cast : Bella Ramsey , Andrew Scott , Billie Piper
- Director : Lena Dunham
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Non-Binary Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Amazon Studios
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Integrity
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some suggestive material and thematic elements
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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