Is The Yellow Birds a True Story? Plot and Ending Explained
by Ashnath | Updated Jun 02, 2023
The Yellow Birds Movie
The Yellow Birds is a fascinating American war film that came out in 2017, directed by Alexandre Moors. What's interesting is that it's actually based on a novel of the same name by Kevin Powers. The film features Tye Sheridan, Alden Ehrenreich, Toni Collette, Jason Patric, Jack Huston, and Jennifer Aniston.
The movie delves into the experiences of two young U.S. soldiers during the Iraq War. Can you imagine the horrors they must have faced? Here's the intriguing part: when only one of the soldiers makes it back home, he finds himself haunted by a promise he made to the other soldier's mother before they were deployed. It's a powerful narrative that explores the aftermath of war and the weight of responsibility.
"The Yellow Birds" had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2017. Talk about a grand debut! It then went on to be released on May 17, 2018, through DirecTV Cinema. However, it wasn't until June 15, 2018, that it became available in a limited release and through video on demand, thanks to Saban Films.
Is The Yellow Birds a True Story?
'The Yellow Birds' captivates audiences with its powerful storytelling, even though it isn't based on a true story. Adapted from the novel by Kevin Powers, an Iraq War veteran, the film draws inspiration from his own harrowing experiences on the battlefield. While the book draws inspiration from Powers' own experiences during the war, the film is a work of fiction that expands upon the themes and characters found in the novel.
It is a fictional narrative that weaves together the experiences of U.S. soldier Brandon Bartle and his friend Daniel "Murph" Murphy during their time serving in Iraq. The film delves into Bartle's journey as he grapples with the aftermath of war upon returning to his hometown of Richmond, Virginia. The story unfolds through a series of flashbacks, offering glimpses into their friendship and the challenges they faced on the battlefield.
While The Yellow Birds presents a fictional story, it captures the essence of the psychological and emotional toll that war can take on soldiers and their loved ones. Through its compelling portrayal of friendship, loss, and the search for meaning amidst the chaos of war, the film sheds light on the profound and lasting effects of combat on those who serve.
The Yellow Birds Plot
"The Yellow Birds" is a poignant film that follows the intertwined lives of U.S. soldiers Brandon Bartle and Daniel "Murph" Murphy. The story toggles between their harrowing experiences serving in Iraq and Bartle's return to his hometown in Richmond, Virginia, with Murph's fate shrouded in uncertainty.
Bartle and Murph forge an unlikely friendship during basic training, despite their contrasting backgrounds. As they prepare to depart for Iraq, Bartle meets Murph's mother, Maureen, who implores him to personally deliver any news about her son's well-being or otherwise.
In war-torn Iraq, the soldiers fall under the command of the troubled Sergeant Sterling. Murph gradually succumbs to the horrors of their circumstances, while Bartle grapples with his own uncertainty about the future. Amidst the chaos, Murph develops an unspoken attraction towards Jenny, a compassionate female medic. Though he admires her from afar, Murph lacks the courage to approach her. Tragedy strikes when bombs rain down on their location, fatally wounding Jenny. Bartle and Murph tenderly lay her to rest on a beam, paying their respects.
In the present, Bartle battles the haunting specter of PTSD and a strained relationship with his mother, Amy. Following a heated argument, he wanders aimlessly and finds himself submerged in a river, nearly drowning. Fortunately, a young couple's intervention saves him. Meanwhile, Maureen tracks down Bartle's residence, hoping to uncover the truth about her son's whereabouts. Amy warmly welcomes Maureen into her home.
Bartle's troubles continue when he is apprehended by Captain Anderson, a CID officer investigating Murph's disappearance. Anderson reveals the shocking news of Sterling's suicide. Imprisoned, Bartle reaches out to his mother, expressing remorse for his actions. Maureen visits him, desperate for answers. Bartle reluctantly shares the truth: during a sweep of an Iraqi village, Murph wandered off and vanished. Bartle and Sterling embark on a search and eventually find Murph's lifeless body, disfigured and discarded. In an act of compassion, they decide to release the body into the river, believing it to be Murph's desired fate. To Bartle's surprise, Sterling shoots the hermit who led them to the discovery, demanding they keep it a secret.
In a tearful exchange, Maureen asks Bartle if her son experienced any moments of happiness. Bartle recalls a holiday party on the base where Murph yearned to dance with Jenny but lacked the confidence to ask. Jenny, perceptive to Murph's longing, approaches him and invites him to dance. The film concludes with Murph and Jenny dancing, a cherished memory amidst the darkness.
The Yellow Birds Movie Review
"The Yellow Birds," a film adaptation of Kevin Powers' novel, offers a poignant and contemplative exploration of war and its aftermath. While the story takes its time to unfold, the powerful performances and stunning cinematography elevate the viewing experience. Directed by Alexandre Moors, the film captures the exhaustion and weariness of both soldiers and audiences alike, creating a deliberate pace that ultimately serves its purpose.
The movie follows two young soldiers, portrayed impeccably by Alden Ehrenreich and Tye Sheridan, as they venture into Iraq. However, only one returns, and his silence becomes a haunting presence throughout the narrative. The events leading up to their deployment, their experiences during the war, and the aftermath are presented in a tragically ordinary manner, mirroring the realities faced by many soldiers. Despite the familiarity of these scenes, the director's keen attention to detail and his compassionate approach provide them with renewed potency.
The performances in "The Yellow Birds" are exceptional, with Alden Ehrenreich and Tye Sheridan delivering captivating portrayals of soldiers grappling with the emotional toll of war. Jack Huston's portrayal of their sergeant is also noteworthy, adding depth and complexity to the ensemble. The chemistry between the actors lends authenticity to their bond as a small band of brothers.
The Yellow Birds Ending Explained
The ending of the movie "The Yellow Birds" brings closure to the haunting question of Murph's fate and the emotional impact it has on Bartle and Maureen. As the story unfolds, we witness Maureen's persistent search for answers about her son's disappearance and her desperate hope that Bartle can provide them. Bartle, burdened by guilt and haunted by memories, stands before Maureen, a symbol of shattered promises and unanswered questions.
Maureen's visit to Bartle in prison underscores the depth of her pain and loss. She trusted Bartle with her son's life, believing he would ensure Murph's safety. However, the reality is harsh. Murph never returned home to Virginia, leaving Maureen's heartache and longing unresolved. The weight of her anticipation for this meeting becomes painfully apparent as Bartle stands before her, a broken man with no solace to offer.
In a flashback to their time in Iraq, we revisit the pivotal moment when Murph vanishes during a village sweep. Burdened by the relentless horrors of war, Murph chooses a different fate, escaping the constant torment that awaited him. A hermit leads Bartle and Sergeant Sterling to a minaret, where they find Murph's lifeless, naked body. It is a haunting scene that encapsulates the depths of Murph's despair and his final decision.
Murph's death lingers in Bartle's consciousness, a constant reminder of the heavy toll of war. Despite their not being particularly close, Bartle feels an indescribable connection to Murph. Both soldiers shared an understanding of pain and the inevitability of their own demise. Bartle's decision to leave the war was fueled by the indelible impact of Murph's death, haunting him even in his waking moments.
The ending of "The Yellow Birds" delves into the themes of guilt, grief, and the weight of unfulfilled promises. It highlights the devastating consequences of war and the profound influence it has on those left behind. The film concludes with Bartle's incomplete journey toward healing, forever carrying the weight of Murph's loss and the scars of their shared experiences.
Is the Yellow Birds a True Story - FAQs
The Yellow Birds is a work of fiction, although it draws upon author Kevin Powers's own experiences serving in the Iraq War.
While The Yellow Birds is a work of fiction, it draws heavily upon Powers's experiences as a machine gunner in Mosul and Tal Afar, Iraq.
The Yellow Birds explores themes of war, loss, trauma, and the difficulty of returning to civilian life after military service.
The Yellow Birds was adapted for the screen in 2017 and directed by Alexandre Moors. It starred Jack Huston, Alden Ehrenreich, Tye Sheridan, and Jennifer Aniston.
The title of the novel alludes to a story told by one of the characters about caged canaries that are released into the wild but return to their cages voluntarily, suggesting the difficulty of escaping one's past.