Critic Reviews

One of the main rallying points of The Messenger is that birds have “something to tell us” about the environment’s mounting ecological hazards. The canary in a coal mine phenomenon, according to this film, has assumed global proportions.

Overall, the arguments are persuasive, the message from the birds powerful, and the film a rich and satisfying call to action that is presented with some novel ideas for how to restore the ecological balance.

The filmmakers, like the songbirds they advocate for, are only messengers, but their message is persuasive and terrifying.

The slow-motion close-ups alone should convince you these magnificent creatures are well worth the effort.

The doc’s stunning slo-mo footage of midair locomotion emphasizes these messengers’ grace and mystery.