FIREBIRD (2021)

Tragedy seems to reign supreme.

Based on a true story, Firebird centers on two men who form a bond that transcends friendship and the societal norms of the 1970’s. While stationed on an Air Force base in Soviet occupied Estonia, Sergey and Roman begin a clandestine affair that propels both men’s live in opposite directions.

It is not rare for stories such as this to be ill fated but Firebird flies above the heartbreak by focusing on the love that can withstand trials and tribulations that our heroes are forced to endure. It would be misleading to give the reader false hope that the ending is full of light and happiness, in fact it is far from it. There is a simple reality to films based on true stories that involve the LGBTQ communities, happy endings are rare.

Although it is safe to assume that Sergey and Roman do not find happiness together in the end, it is the journey that they share that provides the beauty and joy within this film. Grounded by two incredible performances by Tom Prior, who also helped craft the screenplay, and Oleg Zagorodnii, Firebird is a remarkable film that dares to make the audience’s hearts soar with happiness in one breath and then crush them beneath the weight of heartbreak in the next.

The setting of the film provides a seemingly dismal place for our heroes to reside in but perhaps that is what makes their story ever so beautiful, finding love in the least likely of places. It is in the simplest places (a theater, a barracks, or a hallway) that Sergey and Roman are allowed to share their passion for life and one another without fear of being seen….in most instances.

Firebird is a prime example of why we watch films. It sparks a journey, which is always more important than the ending. Even when we know the story will end in tragedy. Firebird’s touching finale shows us, even in the darkest moments, we can still try to find a light at the end of the tunnel and rise from the ashes of despair.

Rated: R

Run Time: 1 hr 47 min