Songbird
Movie Trailer
Release Date
December 11, 2020
Genre
Thriller, Sci-Fi, Drama
Cast & Crew
- K.J. Apa as Nico Price
- Sofia Carson as Sara Garcia
- Demi Moore as Piper Griffin
- Craig Robinson as Lester
- Bradley Whitford as William Griffin
- Peter Stormare as Emmett Harland
- Alexandra Daddario as May
- Paul Walter Hauser as Dozer
Director
Adam Mason
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Devil’s Chair (2007)
- Junkie (2012)
Producer
- Michael Bay
- Adam Goodman
- Andrew Sugerman
- Eben Davidson
Writer
- Adam Mason
- Simon Boyes
Budget
$700,000
Production Company
- Invisible Narratives
- Platinum Dunes
- Catchlight Studios
Running Time
84 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
PG-13
Content Advisory
- Mild violence
- Language
- Themes of pandemic and dystopia
- Some peril
Movie Story
“Songbird” is a dystopian thriller set in the year 2024, in a world where the COVID-19 pandemic has mutated into a far deadlier strain known as COVID-23. The virus has forced the world into its fourth year of lockdown, and society has collapsed into a state of fear and control. Those infected are taken from their homes and placed in quarantine camps, while the uninfected live in constant dread of the virus and the draconian measures enforced by the government.
The film follows Nico Price (K.J. Apa), a motorcycle courier who is one of the rare people immune to the virus. Nico’s immunity allows him to move freely through the city, delivering goods to the wealthy, who have retreated into their luxurious and isolated homes. Nico is deeply in love with Sara Garcia (Sofia Carson), a young artist who has been confined to her apartment for months. Despite the barriers, the two maintain a relationship through video calls, dreaming of a future where they can be together.
Their relationship is put to the test when Sara’s grandmother falls ill, and Sara faces the threat of being forcibly taken to a quarantine camp. Nico embarks on a desperate mission to save Sara, navigating the dangers of a dystopian Los Angeles, dealing with corrupt officials, and seeking the help of various characters, including the wealthy but morally ambiguous Griffin family, and Lester (Craig Robinson), Nico’s boss who has connections that might help.
As Nico races against time, “Songbird” explores themes of survival, love, and the lengths to which people will go to protect those they care about in a world where hope is scarce. The film combines elements of thriller and drama with its dystopian setting, offering a narrative that reflects contemporary anxieties while imagining a future shaped by the ongoing pandemic.
Special Effects
The special effects in “Songbird” are modest, reflecting its relatively low budget, but they effectively convey the film’s dystopian atmosphere. The portrayal of a near-future Los Angeles, with empty streets and high-tech surveillance, adds to the sense of a world under siege. The visual effects are used sparingly but serve the story well, creating a believable and tense environment.
Box Office Performance
“Songbird” had a limited theatrical release due to the ongoing pandemic, and its performance was modest. The film was primarily distributed through streaming platforms, where it garnered attention due to its timely subject matter. However, it received mixed reviews from both critics and audiences, with some praising its relevance and others criticizing its execution.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles, California, USA
Notable Quotes
- “This is my message to you, don’t give up. Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.” – Nico Price
- “Sometimes the greatest act of love is to stay away.” – Sara Garcia
- “It’s not about the virus anymore; it’s about control.” – Emmett Harland
Behind-the-Scenes
“Songbird” was one of the first films to be produced and completed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with strict safety protocols in place. The film was shot in Los Angeles over the course of just 17 days. Director Adam Mason and producer Michael Bay aimed to create a film that would resonate with audiences living through the pandemic, exploring the emotional and social impact of a prolonged global crisis.
Awards
The film did not receive major awards but sparked discussions due to its controversial subject matter and the timing of its release.
Final Verdict
“Songbird” is a bold attempt to capture the anxieties of a world still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a glimpse into a dystopian future where fear and control reign supreme. While the film’s narrative and characters are compelling, its execution may not satisfy all viewers, especially those looking for a deeper exploration of its themes. Nonetheless, “Songbird” is noteworthy for its timeliness and its effort to create a thriller that reflects the challenges of our times.
IMDb Rating
4.7/10