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The Ornithologist
The Ornithologist
6.8
/10
3,145 Ratings

THE ORNITHOLOGIST

O Ornitólogo

Directed by João Pedro Rodrigues
Portugal, France, 2016
Drama, LGBTQ+, Fantasy

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.

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.