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Birth (2004)

2004 • 1h 40m • Drama, Mystery • R
On September 24, 2026
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All reviews

John Chard on Birth

8/10 · Mar 20, 2015

It's undeniable that I felt deeply about Sean, and it’s been so long since then that I still can’t seem to move past him. I recall the excitement when it came out in 2004; there was a lot of talk surrounding "the" bath scene, along with complaints about its pacing and lack of scares. Birth is certainly a film full of wonderful filmmaking elements—though naturally, not everything will appeal to everyone watching movies—but the exceptional craftsmanship both behind and in front of the camera, combined with an unsettlingly ambiguous atmosphere running throughout, makes it stand out as a truly remarkable work. The story centers on Nicole Kidman as Anna, who is preparing for her wedding when a young boy (Cameron Bright) appears and claims to be the reincarnation of her deceased first husband. Director Jonathan Glazer and his co-writers Jean-Claude Carrière & Milo Addica intentionally maintain an elusive quality; after all, the subject matter itself is inherently vague and open to endless discussion. The film progresses deliberately, with skillful portrayals of love, grief, and anger from everyone involved. Even a birthing tunnel metaphor doesn’t feel excessive, as Glazer clearly aims to draw viewers into the hypnotic nature of what's unfolding and have them connect with Anna's vulnerability while those around her struggle to understand her perspective. To be honest, it's difficult to present this as straightforward entertainment; even now, over a decade after its release, some people are frustrated that the suggested supernatural elements aren’t central to the plot. While the filmmakers push the boundaries of good taste—perhaps even venturing into pretentiousness—the accusations that Birth is boring are simply untrue. It never reveals everything, maintaining a strong sense of mystery while Kidman and Lauren Bacall provide ample reason to appreciate the acting talent on display. Despite being disliked by many and provoking anger in some, Birth remains a captivating film. It’s a puzzle intended to elicit a reaction, whether positive or negative. 8/10

Source on TMDB