White Bird: A Wonder Story, based on the graphic novel by R.J. Palacio, serves as both a sequel and a prequel to Wonder (2017). This film delves deeper into the backstory of Julian Albans’ grandmother, Sara Blum, as she reflects on her experiences during World War II as a Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied France. Directed by Marc Forster, the movie touches on themes of kindness, sacrifice, and the impact of hate. While Wonder centered around acceptance and kindness in a school setting, White Bird brings a more profound and historical perspective on these themes, showcasing the brutality of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
Plot Overview
The story begins with Julian Albans (played by Bryce Gheisar) reaching out to his Grandmère (Helen Mirren) to learn more about her life during the Holocaust. Julian, who previously bullied Auggie in Wonder, is in need of a humanities project, and Grandmère’s story offers him a poignant lesson about empathy and the cost of prejudice.
The bulk of the film takes place in 1940s France, where a young Sara Blum (Ariella Glaser), hiding her Jewish identity, faces increasing persecution as the Nazis occupy her village. Sara is forced to go into hiding after the Nazis start rounding up Jewish citizens, and it is here that she meets Julien Beaumier (Orlando Schwerdt), a classmate who saves her from capture. Despite his disability (Julien walks with a limp due to polio), he bravely hides Sara in his family’s barn, risking his own life to protect her.
The Ending Explained
As the story progresses, Sara and Julien grow closer. Julien, who was once ridiculed for his limp, becomes Sara’s hero. Despite the constant danger surrounding them, the two form a deep bond, with Julien helping Sara survive her harrowing ordeal.
However, tragedy strikes in the final act. After over a year in hiding, Julien is arrested by the Nazis, tipped off by a local boy named Vincent, who had been collaborating with them. Despite their deepening connection and a heartfelt confession of love between Julien and Sara, their separation becomes inevitable as Julien is taken away. Sara manages to escape once again, but Julien is executed by the Nazis alongside other disabled prisoners.
This devastating moment underscores the harsh reality of war, as those who resist or help the persecuted are often met with violent ends. Julien’s death leaves a lasting impact on Sara, who carries his memory with her throughout her life.
In the epilogue, back in the present day, Grandmère reflects on the lessons she learned from Julien’s sacrifice. She teaches Julian that kindness and bravery in the face of hatred are what make a real difference in the world. Julian, moved by her story, decides to attend a protest, standing up for refugee and migrant rights, symbolizing that the lessons of the past still have relevance today.
Themes and Symbolism
The film emphasizes the power of kindness, a central theme carried over from Wonder. Julien, despite his own challenges, becomes a symbol of courage and selflessness, while Sara’s survival is attributed to the risks others took for her. In addition, the white bird in the story serves as a symbol of hope, freedom, and the possibility of peace amidst chaos.
Throughout the film, Sara draws a white bird as a coping mechanism, reflecting her longing for freedom. When Julien gifts her a carved white bird, it represents not only his affection for her but also the hope that they can both escape the darkness of war. Sadly, Julien’s death shows that not everyone can be saved, but his legacy lives on through Sara.
The Impact of the Story
The ending of White Bird is emotionally powerful and meant to serve as a reminder of the consequences of prejudice and hatred. The film’s message is not just about the horrors of the Holocaust but about the importance of standing up against injustice in any form. Julian, who once perpetuated bullying, learns through his grandmother’s story the value of empathy and courage.
This ending reinforces the idea that the past is not just a distant memory—it has lessons for every generation. In her final words, Grandmère encourages Julian, and by extension the audience, to never be a bystander to hate, emphasizing the ongoing need for kindness and solidarity in the face of oppression.
Conclusion
White Bird: A Wonder Story delivers a heartfelt and emotional conclusion, showing how even in the darkest of times, kindness and sacrifice can make a lasting difference. The tragic ending, with Julien’s death, is a sobering reminder of the cost of war and hatred. Yet, through Sara’s survival and Julian’s transformation, the film leaves viewers with a message of hope and the importance of learning from the past to build a kinder, more just future.
