Beautiful, interesting, incredible cinema.

See what’s playing
The Ornithologist
  • Try 7 Days Free
  • Now Showing
  • MUBI GO
  • Gift MUBI
  • Browse
  • Notebook
  • Notebook Magazine
  • MUBI Editions
  • SHOP
  • About
  • Ways to Watch
  • Students
  • Jobs
  • Terms & Privacy
6.8
/10
3,167 Ratings

Synopsis

Ornithologist Fernando loses control of his canoe in a wild nature reserve. He is discovered some way off by two Chinese pilgrims, who force him into extreme behaviour to survive a series of brutal tests. An encounter that will mark the start of a mythical journey into north-eastern Portugal.

Our take

João Pedro Rodrigues, a celebrated voice in queer cinema, won Locarno’s Best Director award for this enigmatic work starring Paul Hamy. A bird-watching expedition metamorphoses into a mystical journey fuelled with biblical undertones and strange occurrences in this bewildering and sublime wonder.