Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Absorbing but slow tale has nudity, language, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
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Where to Watch
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Earthquake Bird
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
After news that a body part from a missing American woman has been recovered, Lucy Fly (Alicia Vikander) is taken into custody by Tokyo police for questioning in EARTHQUAKE BIRD. Lucy admits she knew possible victim Lily Bridges (Riley Keough), but little else. The police intensify their interrogation, getting only terse answers from Lucy, but though she isn't talking, she's remembering. Lucy has endured more than her share of tragedy and abuse. Flashbacks -- and flashbacks within flashbacks -- tell the story of how she met and fell in love with Teiji Matsuda (Naoki Kobyashi), a strange but compelling street photographer, then was introduced to Lily, a young woman as flamboyant and needy as Lucy is reserved and independent. The emotional complexities intensify when Lucy introduces Lily to Teiji. Guilt-ridden from a past she tried to escape, wholly insecure, and fragile, Lucy's attempts to protect her relationship propel her to make mistakes that lead to tragedy.
Is It Any Good?
In this story framed by what may be a cruel murder, director Wash Westmoreland chooses to keep his camera on Alicia Vikander's intelligent and radiant performance; that decision serves him well. Ably supported by the other members of the cast, Vikander gives Earthquake Bird its dramatic heft. Patience is required at times because the film moves slowly. It feels, occasionally, as if the viewer is already steps ahead of the filmmaking team. But, with its credible, original backstory revealed bit by bit, and the emotional investment the heroine inspires, it's worth a look for older teens and adults.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about movies that are meant to surprise. Were you surprised by events in Earthquake Bird? Looking back, can you pinpoint events or character quirks that the filmmaker used to justify the movie's ending?
In what ways is Japan a critical element -- or character -- in this film? How did the fact that both Lucy and Lily were foreigners heighten the suspense?
Find out what the term film noir means. How does this film fit the description of that genre? Be media savvy -- learn about the origins and history of film noir.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 15, 2019
- Cast : Alicia Vikander , Riley Keough , Naoki Kobyashi
- Director : Wash Westmoreland
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexuality, full nudity and brief language
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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