Little Birds

Little Birds

Year: 2012

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Elgin James

Drama

Amidst the decaying landscape of the Salton Sea, teenage friends Lily and Alison yearn for a life beyond their rundown surroundings. When they encounter a group of homeless youth, Lily's rebellious spirit inspires her to persuade Alison to leave and seek a fresh start in Los Angeles. However, as they navigate the city’s hidden world, Lily's desire to belong creates tension with Alison’s need to escape, testing the strength of their friendship.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Little Birds yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Little Birds (2012)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Little Birds (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of 'Little Birds' take place in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal issues such as teenage rebellion, friendship, and vulnerability. The film explores the struggles of adolescence in today's world, highlighting the escapism sought by its characters. This backdrop allows for a raw representation of youth and the decisions they make in search of freedom.

Location

Salton Sea, Los Angeles

The film is set around the Salton Sea, a desert oasis often associated with desolation and decay. This area, infamous for its poverty and environmental issues, serves as a stark backdrop for the lives of the characters. Los Angeles represents the allure of a vibrant urban life, contrasting sharply with the small-town struggles of the protagonists.

🏜️ Desert 🌆 Urban

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:48

Main Characters – Little Birds (2012)

Meet the key characters of Little Birds (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lily (Juno Temple)

Lily is a complex character grappling with suicidal tendencies and a sense of abandonment. Her impulsive and rebellious nature drives much of the plot as she seeks escape and connection. Throughout the film, her struggles reveal deep emotional scars that affect her relationships and choices.

🌪️ Rebellious 💔 Vulnerable

Alison (Kay Panabaker)

Alison serves as both a supportive friend and a voice of caution in the film. She has faced trauma in her life, leading to a desire for safety and stability. Her character embodies loyalty, but her growing frustrations with Lily highlight the strain their friendship endures throughout their reckless escapades.

💔 Supportive 🌪️ Cautious

Margaret (Leslie Mann)

Margaret is Lily's single mother who struggles to provide for her daughter amidst financial hardships. Her character reflects the challenges of single parenthood and the complexities of familial relationships, often feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from Lily.

👩‍👧 Motherhood 🌪️ Struggles

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:48

Major Themes – Little Birds (2012)

Explore the central themes of Little Birds (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Friendship

Friendship is a central theme as Lily and Alison navigate their challenging lives together. Their bond is tested through choices that lead them into dangerous situations, showcasing the intensity of teenage relationships. The film illustrates both the strength and fragility of their connection amid the chaos of their surroundings.

🌪️ Rebellion

The theme of rebellion permeates the film as the characters seek to break free from their troubled backgrounds. Lily's impulsive nature juxtaposed with Alison's hesitations highlights the complexity of teenage decisions. Through their actions, the film portrays the desire to challenge societal norms and seek autonomy.

🎭 Vulnerability

The characters exhibit deep vulnerabilities, especially Lily, who struggles with mental health issues and trauma. This exploration of vulnerability allows for a heartfelt examination of the girls' experiences and the harsh realities many teenagers face today. The theme emphasizes the importance of support and understanding in overcoming personal challenges.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:48

Unlock the Full Story of Little Birds

Don't stop at just watching — explore Little Birds in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Little Birds is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Little Birds Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Little Birds, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Little Birds Summary

Little Birds Timeline

Track the full timeline of Little Birds with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Little Birds Timeline

More About Little Birds

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Little Birds: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Little Birds

Similar Movies to Little Birds

Discover movies like Little Birds that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.