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Dr. Bird's Advice for Sad Poets Videos

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Movie Info

Sixteen-year-old James Whitman played by Lucas Jade Zumann (20th Century Women, Anne With An 'E'), struggles to overcome anxiety and depression by seeking advice from Dr. Bird voiced by Tom Wilkinson (The Grand Budapest Hotel). In his magical realism inspired world, James goes on a whimsical, but emotionally charged search to solve the mystery of the disappearance of his sister, after an altercation with their parents depicted by Lisa Edelstein (Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce, The Kominsky Method), and Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, Star Trek: Discovery). While James (Zumann) struggles to connect with his parents, he deals with the intense social anxiety of high school life while navigating first love with Sophie, portrayed by Taylor Russell (Lost in Space, Waves) -- a precocious girl from school who has her own agenda and a boyfriend Martin that hasn't quite learned to let go of her, brought to life by Chase Stokes (Outer Banks). Our two lovestruck teens set out on a quest to find Jorie, finding themselves in what appears to be a cult of sorts, led by David Arquette (Scream series) as Xavier, and into the under belly of NYC nightlife that makes James question every relationship in his life.

Rating:

R (Teen Partying|A Graphic Nude Image|Sexual Material|Language)
Genre:

drama
Original Language:

English
Director:

Yaniv Raz
Producer:

Joshua Bachove, Shona Tuckman
Writer:

Yaniv Raz
Release Date (Streaming):

Jan 12, 2021
Runtime:

1h 49m
Production Co:

Particular Crowd, Ketchup Entertainment, StoryBoard Media, Kreate Films

Cast & Crew

Lucas Jade Zumann
James

Taylor Russell
Sophie

David Arquette
Xavier

Lisa Edelstein
Elly

Jason Isaacs
Carl

Tom Wilkinson
Dr. Bird

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Critic Reviews for Dr. Bird's Advice for Sad Poets

All Critics (4) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (3) | Rotten (1)

The movie gets so drunk on its stylistic affectations (and unfunny attempts at cerebral comedy) that by the time it sobers up to take James's mental health seriously, it's too little, too late.

January 12, 2021 | Full Review…

Glenn Kenny
New York Times
YA dramedy about anxiety has language, innuendo, drinking.

January 26, 2021 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

Sandie Angulo Chen
Common Sense Media
None of this would land, however, if it weren't for Zumann's earnest, heartfelt performance. He perfectly balances James' anxiety with his underlying sweetness as well as his awkward idiosyncrasy.

January 12, 2021 | Full Review…

Cynthia Vinney
CBR
Nobody is asking for originality, but if we believe the central relationship than nothing else matters, and Russell and Zumann are a delight to watch explore their feelings for each other.

January 12, 2021 | Rating: B+ | Full Review…

Nate Adams
The Only Critic