Songbird is an American sci-fi-thriller that was produced and released in 2020. It was produced by Michael Bay along with a team of three others and directed by Adam Mason, who co-wrote the screenplay with Simon Boyes.
The film is set in 2024 Los Angeles and the pandemic has been going on for four years. Covid-19 had since mutated to Covid-23 and the symptoms are worse. Technology is more advanced; people are expected to use their mobile phones to check their temperature daily to enable the sanitation department, headed by cruel and devious Peter Stormare (Emmet Harland), to receive information, keep track, and act accordingly. The infected are forcefully picked up and placed in terrible quarantine centres i.e. ‘Q-Zones’ to either die or get better. So it isn’t surprising that infected people avoid being discovered and fight against being taken away.
The only people exempt from restrictions and allowed to go out, are the few who have developed immunity to the virus. Those immune to the virus are given coded bracelets to identify them and set them apart from others. One such person is Nico Price (KJ Apa). He works for a courier company run by Lester (Craig Robinson), and rides around on his motorbike delivering packages for and to the wealthy. One of the wealthy homes he frequents for pickup and drop-off is that of ex record producer William Griffin (Bradley Whitford), his wife, Piper Griffin (Demi Moore), and their daughter, Emma Griffin (Lia McHugh), who suffers from auto-immune disorder. They have their issues as it seems William might be having an affair with an online singer, May (Alexandra Daddario). May, on the other hand, meets Michael Dozer (Paul Walter Hauser) online and they seem to be getting closer. Michael is a disabled war veteran who also works for Lester as a drone operator to track the couriers.
Whilst Nico is free to move around, his girlfriend, Sara Garcia (Sofia Carson), who lives with her grandmother, Lita, is confined to her home in line with lockdown laws. Unfortunately, this means their relationship can only be virtual.
The problem begins when Lita starts showing symptoms of the virus and falls sick. When the app on the mobile phone confirms Sara’s worst fears, it is only a matter of time before the sanitation department comes for Lita and Sara. Not wanting to lose Sara, Nico desperately sets about finding a way to prevent her from being taken to the ‘Q-Zone’', and the Griffins might just be in the position to help.....
I had high hopes for Songbird, especially as it was based on the current global situation – Covid-19 virus and the resultant lockdown. Plus, not only did the trailer look enticing, but big-budget and super-talented director and producer, Michael Bay is the main producer. However, I was greatly disappointed. It is a very slow building boring film that doesn't have much substance or plot, for that matter. It was filled with a lot of “supposedly” important lockdown and pandemic details in order to fill up the film time. In fact, I don’t really know what to say about it. It’s the worst I have seen this year so far.
When I think of Demi Moore, I remember really good films like 1997’s American war-drama, G.I Jane and 1993’s American drama, Indecent Proposal. Time and age are irrelevant; she’s so much better than Songbird. KJ Apa, a promising actor in the movie industry, especially playing roles like Archie in American teen-drama TV series, Riverdale, is meant for much more than Songbird had to offer.
I didn’t enjoy this film. It wasn’t engaging or entertaining. To be honest, it was pointless. Great theme but poor storyline. I would not recommend. Rating? 3 out of 10.
Currently available to watch on Amazon Prime video.
Further Information
Director
Producer:
Played Nico Price (A motorcycle courier)
Played Sara Garcia (Nico's girlfriend)
Played Emmett Harland (Head of sanitation department)
Played May (Online singer)
Played Piper Griffin (William's wife and Emma's mother)
Played Michael Dozer (Disabled war veteran and drone expert)
Played William Griffin (Ex record producer, Piper's husband, and Emma's father)
Played Emma Griffin (William and Piper’s daughter)
Played Lita Garcia (Sara's grandmother)
Yes, quite a shame really. It's best you don't waste your time🙂
Shame to hear as this could have had great potential considering our current climate. One to miss, luckily after your review, I don't have to watch it to find out..