Earthquake Bird Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A love triangle in 80s Tokyo ends with someone missing, a lot of brooding, and the eventual demise of photography skills.

🍿 Earthquake Bird: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Lucy and Tokyo

Set in 1989 Tokyo, the film introduces Lucy Fly (Alicia Vikander), a Swedish expat working as a translator. She’s reserved and haunted by a past she keeps carefully hidden. Lucy navigates the bustling city, seeking to blend in but struggling with inner turmoil.

The Love Triangle Begins

Lucy becomes involved with Teiji (Naoki Kobayashi), a mysterious and brooding photographer. Their relationship is intense and unconventional, marked by a shared fascination with death. The arrival of Lily (Riley Keough), a free-spirited American, disrupts their dynamic, forming a volatile love triangle.

Lily’s Disappearance and Lucy’s Suspicions

Lily’s sudden disappearance throws Lucy under suspicion. Detective Oguchi investigates, and flashbacks reveal the escalating tension between the three characters. Lucy’s jealousy and paranoia intensify as she suspects an affair between Teiji and Lily, fueled by her own insecurities and past traumas.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lucy Fly (Alicia Vikander): A reclusive translator haunted by a dark past, who becomes a suspect in the disappearance of her friend.
• Teiji Matsuda (Naoki Kobayashi): A mysterious and troubled photographer who forms a relationship with Lucy and becomes the object of both women’s affections.
• Lily Bridges (Riley Keough): An outgoing American newcomer whose arrival disrupts Lucy’s life and leads to her disappearance.
• Det. Oguchi (Ken Yamamura): The detective investigating Lily’s disappearance, focusing on Lucy as a prime suspect.
• Bob Johnson (Jack Huston): Lucy’s acquaintance who introduces Lily into their circle, adding another layer of complexity to the relationships.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lucy Fly: “Just trying to make conversation.” – Lucy attempts to engage with Teiji upon their first meeting, displaying her social awkwardness.
• Teiji: “Why?” – Teiji responds curtly to Lucy’s attempt at conversation, highlighting his aloof personality.
• Lucy Fly: “Because that’s what normal people do.” – Lucy’s explanation reveals her awareness of her own social differences.
• Teiji: “But you are not normal.” – Teiji bluntly points out Lucy’s unconventional nature, acknowledging their shared sense of otherness.
• Teiji: “So let’s not pretend to be.” – Teiji suggests embracing their differences, setting the tone for their unconventional relationship.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Earthquake Bird Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Earthquake Bird’ to be a really atmospheric film, like a melancholic dream set in 1980s Tokyo. Alicia Vikander’s performance as Lucy was captivating, and I felt her inner turmoil and isolation so intensely. The scenes where she’s wandering through the city streets or playing her violin were particularly striking and really pulled me in. The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall, it’s a film that stayed with me long after the credits rolled. I especially appreciated how the Japanese culture was integrated into the story. It really felt authentic.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in Japanese culture”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Alicia Vikander fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Suggestive scenes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Earthquake Bird, while beautifully shot and featuring a compelling performance from Alicia Vikander, suffers from a slow pace and a somewhat predictable plot. The atmosphere of 1980s Tokyo is well-realized, but the story ultimately fails to fully engage, leaving the viewer wanting more.
• NetflixViews: “Vikander shines as Lucy Fly in this psychological thriller. The movie might be slow-paced for some but the atmosphere and tension are brilliantly built. Its unconventional approach to the murder mystery and the unique setting of Tokyo make this one a memorable watch.

Audience Reactions

Atmospheric setting and cinematography were mesmerizing.: Viewers appreciated the slow-burn suspense and the immersive depiction of Tokyo.

Alicia Vikander’s performance was a standout.: Many praised the actors’ portrayals of complex characters.

Overall Consensus: Earthquake Bird is a visually stunning and atmospheric psychological thriller, but some find its slow pace and somewhat predictable plot detract from the overall experience. Alicia Vikander’s performance is widely praised.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alicia Vikander learned to speak fluent Japanese for her role in the film.”
• “The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Susanna Jones.”
• “Director Wash Westmoreland aimed for an authentic depiction of Tokyo in the late 1980s, paying attention to details in set design and costumes.”

🖥️ How to Watch Earthquake Bird?

Earthquake Bird is currently available to stream on Netflix. Unfortunately, it is not available for purchase or rental on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV. Check Netflix for regional availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Earthquake Bird, you might like these similar films:

• Lost in Translation (2003): Explores themes of isolation and cultural displacement in Tokyo.
• Black Rain (1989): A Westerner navigating the complexities of Japanese culture, also set in the late 80s; features a crime investigation element.
• Basic Instinct (1992): Features a mysterious female protagonist suspected of murder, with intense psychological undertones and erotic tension.
• Perfect Blue (1997): Japanese animated psychological thriller dealing with identity, perception, and obsession, mirroring the fractured psyche of the main character.

🛒 Earthquake Bird Related Products

• Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan: A gripping memoir offering deep insights into the underbelly of Tokyo life, akin to the dark, complex atmosphere explored in ‘Earthquake Bird’.
• Japanese Retro 80s Aesthetic T-Shirt: Embrace the vibe with this vintage-style tee, echoing the retro aesthetic and 80s Japan depicted in the film. A perfect casual wear for fans.
• Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: A high-quality mirrorless camera from Olympus, the camera brand often featured in the movie, known for compact size and vintage design.
• Japanese City Pop Music Compilation: Immerse yourself in the sounds of 1980s Tokyo with a playlist of iconic City Pop tracks, creating the perfect auditory backdrop to relive the film’s atmosphere.

🎧 Soundtrack

Earthquake Bird features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “String Quartet in D Minor – D. 810 – Death and the Maiden: Allegro” – performed by Franz Schubert, Thaleia Quartet

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Riley Keough & Alicia Vikander – From “Earthquake Bird”

Want to see the chemistry between Riley Keough and Alicia Vikander in ‘Earthquake Bird’? This short compilation gives you a taste of their on-screen presence – it’s definitely worth checking out how they bring their characters to life!

✨ Rate