National Bird
FilmRise | Release Date: November 11, 2016 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
75
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 11 Critic Reviews
Positive:
11
Mixed:
0
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
90
We Got This CoveredLauren Humphries-BrooksOct 21, 2016
National Bird is a scathing and clearly delineated expose on America’s use of drone warfare and the effects it has on both the victims of the attacks and the crews operating the aircraft. Read full review
83
The PlaylistOktay Ege Kozak Nov 14, 2016
This isn’t merely “eating your cinematic vegetables,” as Kennebeck manages to present a well-paced and structured documentary that’s also culturally significant. Read full review
83
The Film StageJohn FinkOct 19, 2016
Mixing talking heads and on-the-ground footage, National Bird is a vital film about the true cost of war, well-reported by Kennebeck. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesKimber MyersNov 17, 2016
National Bird is powerful cinematic journalism. Read full review
80
Screen DailyFionnuala HalliganOct 21, 2016
National Bird shows that there is indeed a horrible reckoning, but it mostly comes from within. This is a personal film about guilt. Read full review
80
The GuardianAlex NeedhamOct 21, 2016
With stealth and elegance, Kennebeck brings these alarming truths into the light. Read full review
75
Washington PostMichael O'SullivanNov 17, 2016
Kennebeck may be a newcomer to feature filmmaking, but her grasp of the material is accomplished. Read full review
70
Village VoiceCraig D. LindseyNov 29, 2016
National Bird shows that war will always be hell, even for those who aren’t on the battleground. Kennebeck directs with a cold, distant eye, almost giving her subjects the same treatment they gave all those poor souls they targeted. Read full review
70
The New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisNov 10, 2016
[An] elegantly unsettling documentary. Read full review
70
VarietyPeter DebrugeOct 21, 2016
National Bird should cast an impressive shadow, inspiring some real debate in op-ed and public radio forums. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterJordan MintzerOct 21, 2016
National Bird hardly offers any counterpoint to the arguments presented, nor does it attempt to show how drones could possibly save the lives of U.S. soldiers either on the ground or in the air. But it does reveal a program whose international reach and seemingly limitless surveillance powers are extraordinarily difficult to keep in check. Read full review
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