It’s already been a busy year for Lena Dunham. Her last movie, “Sharp Stick,” had its world premiere (albeit a virtual one) at Sundance in January, and it hits theaters later this week. But Dunham’s next movie is already gearing up for release, and now that one has a festival premiere, too (in-person this time).
“Catherine Called Birdy,” Dunham’s adaptation of Karen Cushman‘s beloved 1995 children’s novel, will have its world premiere at TIFF this September. The film joins previously announced premieres of Steven Spielberg‘s “The Fabelmans,” “My Policeman,” and Rian Johnson‘s “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story” for the festival’s 47th edition. Upon its release, Cushman’s novel was a huge sensation, and the premise sounds right up Dunham’s alley. So, what’s the film about, anyway? A sharp, spirited young woman in 13th century England refuses to be betrothed except on her terms, putting her on a collision course with her parents.
Here’s the film’s official synopsis, courtesy of Amazon Prime Video:
The year? 1290. In the Medieval English village of Stonebridge, Lady Catherine (known as Birdy) is the youngest child of Lord Rollo and the Lady Aislinn. Her playground is Stonebridge Manor, a house that, like the family, has seen better days. Financially destitute and utterly greedy, Rollo sees his daughter as his path out of financial ruin by marrying her off to a wealthy man for money and land. But Birdy, like all the great teen heroines, is spirited, clever, and adventurous and ready to put off any suitor that comes calling in increasingly ingenious ways. Her imagination, defiance, and deep belief in her own right to independence put her on a collision course with her parents. When the vilest suitor of all arrives, they are presented with the ultimate test of love for their daughter.
The new film stars Bella Ramsey, who won over audiences with her memorable role as the fiery young Lady Lyanna Mormont on “Game Of Thrones,” as the title character. “Catherine Called Birdy” also stars Billie Piper, Andrew Scott, Lesley Sharp, Sophie Okonedo, and Joe Alwyn. Isis Hainsworth, Dean-Charles Chapman, Ralph Ineson, and Paul Kaye also star, while Dunman has a small cameo.
Dunham directs, adapts, and co-produces “Birdy,” as she did with “Sharp Sticks.” Adapting a children’s novel is a slight departure for the “Girls” creator. But at age 36, Cushman’s story would have made a big impression on a younger Lena Dunham, so her making this film makes sense.
After its world premiere at TIFF, “Catherine Called Birdy” hits theaters everywhere on September 23 before it streams exclusively on Amazon Prime on October 7. Take a look at a new still and a first-look clip for the movie below.
