Catherine Called Birdy (film)

Catherine Called Birdy is a 2022 historical comedy-drama film written and directed by Lena Dunham, based on the 1994 novel of the same name by Karen Cushman. The film stars Bella Ramsey as Lady Catherine (nicknamed "Birdy"), a young teenage girl in 13th-century England trying to navigate an arranged marriage arranged by her financially struggling father.

The film follows Birdy's efforts to thwart her father's attempts to marry her off to wealthy suitors, focusing on her coming-of-age experience, her rebellious spirit, and her desire for independence in a patriarchal society. The story explores themes of family, social expectations, gender roles, and the transition from childhood to adulthood within the context of medieval life.

The supporting cast includes Billie Piper, Andrew Scott, Lesley Sharp, Sophie Okonedo, Joe Alwyn, and Dean-Charles Chapman. The film received generally positive reviews, with praise directed toward Ramsey's performance and the film's lighthearted yet thoughtful approach to its subject matter. It was released on Amazon Prime Video in October 2022.