The Ornithologist (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie unfolds in the scenic landscapes of Portugal, starting at a tranquil riverbank where Fernando begins his birdwatching trip. The surrounding woods serve as the primary environment for his journey, while an abandoned mission abbey with statues of saints and angels adds a layer of history and mystique to the narrative.

• portugal
• riverbank
• woods
• abbey
• setting
• location

The abandoned mission abbey serves as a pivotal location that contrasts with the natural landscape. Its statues of saints and angels create an atmosphere of spirituality and history, contributing to the film's mysterious and contemplative mood while symbolizing themes of faith and abandonment.

• abbey
• mission
• saints
• angels
• spirituality
• abandoned location

The film has a timeless feel and is not anchored to any specific historical period. It blends modern and primitive interactions while incorporating surrealist and existential elements, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that transcends conventional time boundaries.

• time period
• timeless
• era
• surrealism
• setting

Surrealism is a central theme that permeates the narrative, blending reality with dream-like sequences. As Fernando navigates strange encounters, his experiences challenge the boundaries of existence and consciousness, prompting viewers to question the nature of reality itself.

• surrealism
• dream
• reality
• consciousness
• theme

Love and jealousy are intricately woven through the relationship between Fernando and Jesus. What begins as a bond of friendship evolves into a romantic connection, but undercurrents of jealousy lead to a tragic confrontation, reflecting the complexity of human emotions.

• love
• jealousy
• relationship
• fernando
• jesus
• romance

Life and death serve as pivotal themes as relationships develop and characters grapple with their mortality. Dialogues between Fernando and the spectral figure Anthony explore existential questions, navigating the thin line between living and dying.

• life
• death
• existential
• mortality
• anthony
• theme

Fernando is an introspective and passionate birdwatcher whose serene camping trip spirals into chaos. His journey transitions from vulnerability to emotional turmoil, ultimately leading to violence, testing his physical and mental limits while questioning his understanding of life.

• fernando
• ornithologist
• birdwatcher
• protagonist
• character

Jesus is a deaf and mute goat herder who forms a powerful yet tragic bond with Fernando. His gentle demeanor contrasts with Fernando's impulsive nature, creating a dynamic that encapsulates tenderness and tension, exploring profound themes of love, loss, and communication beyond words.

• jesus
• goat herder
• deaf
• mute
• character
• relationship

Fei and Lin are Chinese women who discover Fernando unconscious in the woods. Fei displays determination and plays a pivotal role in his rescue, showcasing strength and resourcefulness. Lin remains supportive of Fei despite concerns about forest spirits, highlighting themes of friendship and loyalty.

• fei
• lin
• chinese
• travelers
• rescue
• characters

Anthony is a spectral figure who engages Fernando in deep philosophical discussions about existence and belief. He embodies both a past connection and a catalyst for Fernando's turmoil, raising critical questions about life and death throughout the film.

• anthony
• spectral
• ghost
• philosophical
• existence
• character

The film features a consistently isolated and mysterious mood, enhanced by the protagonist's solitary journey and enigmatic encounters. The tone is melancholic, punctuated by bizarre dreamlike surrealism, heavy emotional content, and moments of psychological intensity.

• mood
• tone
• atmosphere
• isolated
• mysterious
• melancholic