Birth (2004)
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A woman becomes convinced that her deceased husband has been reincarnated in a ten-year-old boy.
The story
Sean and Anna are a married couple living in New York City. After Sean dies suddenly, Anna moves on with her life. Ten years later, while preparing for her engagement to a new man, she is confronted by a young boy who claims to be her reincarnated husband. Initially dismissive, Anna begins to question her stance as the boy provides specific details about her life. The situation creates a complex dilemma for Anna and her fiancé, as they must navigate the boy's claims and the growing emotional complications of her past and present.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Sean and Anna are a married couple in New York City; Sean dies suddenly. Ten years later, Anna is engaged to Joseph. A young boy appears and claims to be the reincarnated Sean. He leaves a letter warning her not to marry Joseph. When Joseph investigates, he confronts the boy, who is then taken to his father. The boy provides intimate details of Anna and Sean's life, leading Anna to believe his claims. During a confrontation, Joseph attacks the boy, and Anna and the boy share a kiss. Anna eventually meets the boy's mother, Clara, who was once lovers with the original Sean. The boy possesses a collection of Anna's love letters. Realizing that to be Sean he would have to love Clara, the boy concludes he cannot continue. Anna and the boy plan to run away, but he ultimately admits he is not the dead man. Anna marries Joseph and finds solace in the ocean.
- First release year
- 2004
- Runtime (minutes)
- 100
- Production countries
- United States; United Kingdom; Germany
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Jonathan Glazer
- Writers
- Jean-Claude Carrière · writer; Milo Addica · writer; Jonathan Glazer · writer
- Cast and characters
- Nicole Kidman · Anna; Lauren Bacall; Cameron Bright · Sean; Danny Huston; Arliss Howard; Peter Stormare; Ted Levine; Anne Heche
- Genres
- psychological drama; mystery
- Themes
- eternal love; grief
- Tone and mood
- mystery; metaphysical
- Premise and plot tags
- reincarnation; mystery
- Reception
- The film polarized critics upon its release but has been re-evaluated in later years, receiving praise and a cult following.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 43% · scale: percentage · review count: 152
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Globe Award · Best Actress · nomination
- Production trivia
- The film was based on an idea Glazer had in his kitchen.; The script went through 21 drafts.; The film features music by Alexandre Desplat and Richard Wagner.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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