Summary
Birder is a queer erotic thriller that explores the lines of consent in a dom/sub space, and it delves into dark spaces in queer culture that society often ignores.
The film tracks the captivating bird enthusiast, Kristian Brookes, portrayed by Michael Emery, as he entices residents to isolated locations while donning a bear's hide. The preview engenders suspense, withholding his underlying motives.
Although marketed as an erotic thriller, Birder endeavors to impart a constructive message and approaches delicate subjects with care. The presence of intimacy coordinators and the careful orchestration of nude scenes adhered to guidelines in order to guarantee comfort and suitable camera angles.
Black), and Emily Green (The Broken Promise) round out the main cast. The film follows Kristian as he becomes entangled in a dangerous relationship with a mysterious stranger, played by Pavlovic, who introduces him to the world of BDSM. As their relationship intensifies, Kristian must navigate the blurred lines of power and consent, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful climax. Birder has been selected to screen at various film festivals, generating buzz and anticipation for its unique and provocative storyline.
Black) Cody Sloan (Selah and the Spades), and burlesque star Delilah DuBois also star. Check out the trailer below, which is meant for mature audiences only:
Birder Is Born Out Of A Tradition Of Queer Horror
Screen Rant's exclusive preview of the Birder trailer showcases the alluring charisma of Kristian Brooks as he entices the locals to venture into secluded areas of a New Hampshire lake. With a touch of darkness, he even dons the skin of a bear, adding to the growing suspense. Yet, the trailer leaves us tantalized with unanswered questions about his true identity and motivations. Nonetheless, one thing remains clear: he is relentlessly pursuing acceptance.
Filmed within a SAG-AFTRA-approved low budget spanning 12 days, Birder delves into the obscure realms of queer culture, shedding light on intricate details that society often dismisses. Director Nate Dushku, in describing the film, highlighted his vision:
Within Birder, we daringly delve into the unfathomable depths of queer horror. The movie cynically and uncomfortably depicts the distorted reflections monsters encounter when they face themselves in the mirror. It delves into the intricate power dynamics within the dom/sub space and serves as a metaphor for the multitude of traumas endured by the queer community at the hands of apathetic social forces. Birder propels us to the precipice of the unknown as our protagonist embarks on an odyssey through a vibrant and sex-positive community.
Despite being marketed as an erotic thriller, Birder's creative team aims for audiences to walk away with a positive message, ensuring that all circumstances were handled in the safest possible manner. Despite the limited time and budget for filming, Dushku emphasized the caution taken in approaching the material, with the assistance of intimacy coordinators Brooke Haney and Chelsea Pace. The nude scenes were planned and executed according to SAG-AFTRA guidelines, with actors signing agreements to indicate their comfort levels and to determine the appropriate camera angles and nude shots for each performer.
Following its premiere at the OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival, Birder is now embarking on the fall festival circuit, which includes the likes of Atlanta's Out on Film, Seattle Queer Film Festival, DC's Reel Affirmations, and more.