Why not both? The disappearance of Kat Connor's (Shailene Woodley) mother (Eva Green) is the thread that holds both facets of White Bird in a Blizzard together. While wondering alongside Kat about the truth behind the sudden vanishing, we are provided with several episodic flashbacks (highly reminiscent of the recent If I Stay), that closely follow Kat during her development to a young adult. In the end those neatly line up to complete the puzzle presented to us.
Both aspects never feel imbalanced, but in the end several shortcomings reduce their respective impact. We never delve too deep into Kat's psyche, even the few psychotherapeutic sessions feel more explanatory than enlightening. Additionally the crude symbolism of the dream scenes could have been easily reduced to a minimum. The way the ending is handled is also disgruntling even if it falls in line with the movie's logic. It is most likely the allocation of time that ultimately prevents either story to be fully fleshed out.
The biggest strengths of the movie lie in the well-portrayed, limited and subjective angle from which the drama behind the disappearance is presented and the refreshing performance of Eva Green as the mother. On the other hand there is a shallowness that never ceases to make itself felt.
This movie is a commendable attempt to spice up a classic coming of age story and even if it doesn't succeed there are still a few positive things you could take away from it.
Both aspects never feel imbalanced, but in the end several shortcomings reduce their respective impact. We never delve too deep into Kat's psyche, even the few psychotherapeutic sessions feel more explanatory than enlightening. Additionally the crude symbolism of the dream scenes could have been easily reduced to a minimum. The way the ending is handled is also disgruntling even if it falls in line with the movie's logic. It is most likely the allocation of time that ultimately prevents either story to be fully fleshed out.
The biggest strengths of the movie lie in the well-portrayed, limited and subjective angle from which the drama behind the disappearance is presented and the refreshing performance of Eva Green as the mother. On the other hand there is a shallowness that never ceases to make itself felt.
This movie is a commendable attempt to spice up a classic coming of age story and even if it doesn't succeed there are still a few positive things you could take away from it.