Broken Bird Review: Brilliantly Creepy Psych-Horror of Control-Freak Attendant

With her prim manners, mid-century chic, and 180-degree rampart of a fringe, Sybil (Rebecca Calder) appears almost too correct. It’s this decorum that secures her a job at Mr. Thomas’s (James Fleet) funeral home. Despite her poised exterior, Sybil harbors a fanciful nature reminiscent of Amélie Poulain’s twisted sister. She imagines romantic encounters with museum curator Mark (Jay Taylor) and entertains thoughts of avenging wrongs through fantasy. As Sybil confides to Mr. Thomas, her obsession with mortality stems from a childhood car crash that left her orphaned.

An expansion of Joanne Mitchell’s 2018 short film, Broken Bird showcases the depth and richness of a well-nurtured project. Mitchell expertly navigates a delicate tonal balance, placing the film between psychological thriller and true horror. Initially, the film’s whimsicality is evident as Sybil disrupts poetry recitals with passive-aggressive crisp munching. But as her infatuation with Mark intensifies, the narrative darkens. Her syrupy daydreams begin to dominate, while her real-world behavior frays, culminating in outbursts aimed at local skaters.

Mitchell’s film persuasively roots itself in psychological nuances, making other plot facets appear secondary. During its first half, Broken Bird intertwines Sybil’s story with that of Emma (Sacharissa Claxton), a police officer mourning her missing son. However, Mitchell struggles to seamlessly integrate Emma’s narrative with Sybil’s. Additionally, a subplot involving the mysterious contents of Mr. Thomas’s locked room feels underdeveloped.

Despite these minor lapses, the film remains compelling, largely due to Rebecca Calder’s versatile performance. Calder deftly transitions between garrulous and terse, quirky and eerie, resolute and chaotic. Her portrayal lends a serene yet unsettling quality to Sybil’s descent into gothic madness, ensuring the character remains relatable.

Broken Bird offers an unflinching, sardonic take on how death encroaches on us all. It marks a promising debut for Mitchell, highlighting her ability to blend dark humor with psychological depth.

• Broken Bird is in UK cinemas from 30 August.