The Yellow Birds

The Yellow Birds

Year: 2018

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Alexandre Moors

DramaWar

During the Gulf War, soldiers Bartle and Murph experience the harsh realities of combat and grapple with the lasting impact of their experiences. Bartle is burdened by a promise made to Murph's mother, creating a complex dynamic between the two men and testing the strength of their friendship as they struggle to cope with the trauma of war.

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Timeline – The Yellow Birds (2018)

Trace every key event in The Yellow Birds (2018) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Basic Training Begins

Brandon Bartle and Daniel 'Murph' Murphy first meet during basic training for the U.S. Army. Their friendship begins to blossom as they bond over their differing backgrounds and future aspirations.

Basic Training Camp
2

Promise to Maureen

Before deployment, Bartle meets Murph's mother, Maureen Murphy, who extracts a heartfelt promise from him. She asks him to personally inform her if anything happens to her son during their time in Iraq.

Richmond, Virginia
3

Deployment to Iraq

Brandon and Murph are deployed to Iraq, cast into the reality of war. Here, they encounter their stern Sergeant Sterling, who struggles with his own issues while leading the troops.

Iraq
4

Murph's Struggles

As combat intensifies, Murph starts to feel the psychological toll of war. His infatuation with Jenny, a medic, complicates his emotions as he battles with fear and vulnerability.

Iraq
5

Tragedy Strikes

Murph witnesses a bombing that injures Jenny, forcing him to face the harsh realities of war. In this moment, Murph loses his sense of safety and any semblance of normalcy.

Iraq
6

Return Home

After returning home to Richmond, Bartle is haunted by memories of Murph and the war. He struggles with feelings of guilt and loss, unsure of Murph's fate.

Richmond, Virginia
7

Confrontation with Mother

Bartle's relationship with his mother, Amy, becomes strained as he grapples with PTSD. A heated confrontation shows the emotional toll of war on their family dynamics.

Bartle's Home
8

Attempted Drowning

In a moment of despair, Bartle wanders into the woods and nearly drowns in a river. Concerned locals intervene, leading to his arrest and subsequent discharge.

The Woods
9

Captain Anderson's Revelation

Upon release, Bartle meets Captain Anderson, who delivers devastating news about Sergeant Sterling's suicide. He also informs Bartle about the ongoing investigation into Murph's disappearance.

Police Station
10

Meeting with Maureen

In prison, Bartle is visited by Maureen, who pleads for the truth regarding her son. Facing her pain, Bartle recounts the tragic events that occurred in Iraq.

Prison
11

The Body Disposal

To protect Maureen from the gruesome details, Bartle and Sergeant Sterling decide to dispose of Murph's body in a river. This act signifies their desperate attempt to shield her from further suffering.

Iraq
12

Reflection and Regret

As Bartle releases Murph's body into the water, he reflects on Murph's desire to escape from the harsh world they lived in. It's a poignant moment filled with regret and sorrow for what was lost.

River
13

Act of Violence

In an unexpected and violent turn, Sergeant Sterling's actions leave Bartle shaken. This moment represents the culmination of their trauma and the desperate measures people resort to during war.

Iraq
14

Seeking Solace

Maureen searches for closure by asking Bartle about moments of joy shared with Murph. This desire for connection amidst tragedy highlights a mother's love and the lengths she goes to find peace.

15

Bittersweet Memory

The film concludes with a beautiful, yet bittersweet moment of Murph and Jenny sharing a slow dance. It serves as a haunting reminder of fleeting happiness in the midst of darkness.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 19:11

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The Yellow Birds Summary

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The Yellow Birds Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Yellow Birds

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Yellow Birds

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