Charliebird

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Charliebird

Feb 2026

1h 38m

Drama

Music

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8 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

A music therapist forms an unexpected bond with a young patient, unlocking the buried grief of her past in a journey of connection, loss, and healing.

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Christian Zilko

IndieWire

Jun 16

B+

The beauty of Charliebird... is how little it tries to do. The entire film is built around the remarkable chemistry between its two lead actresses

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Bradley Gibson

Film Threat

Mar 23

9/10

In the end, Charliebird shows us that life is fleeting, so embracing both the good and bad moments is essential.

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Ben Glidden

Film Threat

Mar 17

9/10

In the end, Charliebird shows us that life is fleeting, so embracing both the good and bad moments is essential.

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Dave Giannini

Geek Vibes Nation

Jul 14

9/10

Charliebird, is passionate, beautiful, and yes, healing.

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Frank J. Avella

The Contending

Jun 18

B

Smart wrote the incisive screenplay. She also manages to deliver a subtle yet quietly devastating performance. She’s a true cinematic triple-threat talent to watch, as she is also a producer.

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Will Bjarnar

Next Best Picture

Jun 16

8/10

There’s a feeling that comes over you as the melody plays, transports you somewhere else, and frees you from the life with which you’ve become accustomed to. “Charliebird” has the same impact. It’s one of the year’s most affecting films because of it.

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Bing Y

Mar 1

Beautiful, understated film with wonderful performances.

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Samantha

5d

The quiet and powerful storytelling and the range of joy and grief are so human in this film - I found it so relatable! Also felt the spirit of rebelliousness and creativity shared by both main characters, Highly recommend!

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Mason M.

@RT73597940 Apr 19

I just caught a screening of this film at a film festival with Smart there and I just felt the need to advocate for it. If you get the chance to see this film, I couldn't recommend it more. What I found so captivating about it was how brave and bold it is. The filmmaking from director Ewing stunned me in how proactive yet understated it was, bold and incredibly honest yet never too much. The 1:1 aspect ratio might be the bravest of these choices, using the forbidden aspect ratio and making such perfect use of the framing of the shots. The emotion of this film felt so raw in Smart's interesting and original take on a very mundane idea, and through Ewing's jarring scene composition that managed to somehow bring me into such a comfort that I didn't even realize. It's hard to say what, but something about this film really quite struck me. Maybe it's the confidence in the risks yet always humble and aware of what it is. Charliebird was one of the most inventive independent films in a while

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Sarah E

@RT54647285 Apr 12

A heartfelt, necessary story for our time. The power of music therapy and the healing journey that we all can relate to. A must see!

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MAUREEN M.

@MMMEEHAN22 Mar 31

This is a beautiful and passionate story! Maureen Anne Meehan Maureen Anne Meehan Productions LLC

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Moody C

@MoodyC Mar 5

This is a beautiful low budget indie shot on iPhone like aspect ratio but testimony one can create a wonderful movie with limited budget. I was blown away at how such a simple plot packs such an emotional punch but it does due in part to phenomenal acting by both female leads & a wonderful supporting cast. Usually a movie with non famous cast is gonna suck but this is one of those rare exceptions.

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Libby Ewing

Director

Samantha Smart

Actor

Gabe Fazio

Actor

Gabriela Ochoa Perez

Charlie

Maria Peyramaure

Elena

Samantha Smart

Screenwriter

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Synopsis

A music therapist forms an unexpected bond with a young patient, unlocking the buried grief of her past in a journey of connection, loss, and healing.

Director: Libby Ewing
Producer: Elliot Gipson, Samantha Smart, Libby Ewing
Screenwriter: Samantha Smart
Distributor: Freestyle Digital Media
Production Co: Art Brut Films
Genre: Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 27, 2026, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 31, 2026
Runtime: 1h 38m