I didn't expect to laugh this hard at a girl dodging marriage in the 13th century… but here we are.
Let's be honest—when you hear “medieval teen comedy,” your brain might short-circuit. Chainmail plus teenage angst? That's either Monty Python meets Mean Girls or a Renaissance fair gone very, very wrong. And yet, Catherine Called Birdy lands smack dab in the sweet spot between hilarious and heartfelt, like someone dropped Fleabag into a dusty manuscript and shouted, “Live a little!”
Directed by Lena Dunham and based on Karen Cushman's beloved YA novel, this Amazon Prime gem from 2022 does something most period pieces forget to do: have fun. Real, belly-laugh, snort-chuckle, pause-the-movie-to-catch-your-breath fun. It's “Bridgerton” with less bodice-ripping and more mud fights.
Why it works when it shouldn't
Everything about this film screams contradiction—and that's why it works.
You've got a 14-year-old girl named Birdy (played with fiery delight by Bella Ramsey) who's determined not to be married off like a particularly moody goat. Her dad (a scene-stealing Andrew Scott, aka Hot Priest from Fleabag) is broke, boozy, and hilariously desperate to trade his daughter for cash and clout. The result? A film that weaponizes teenage rebellion like a trebuchet loaded with sarcasm.
But here's the kicker: the comedy isn't modernized in a cringey, “Did they just dab in the 1200s?” way. The jokes land because they don't try too hard. It's observational humor laced with absurdity—think “She's the Man,” but with leeches and arranged marriages.
A Scene That'll Break You (In a Good Way)
One unforgettable scene? Birdy fakes a demonic possession to scare off an older suitor. Eyes rolled back, arms flailing, she bellows in faux-Latin gibberish while smearing goose fat across her cheeks. It's the kind of comedic gold that makes you spit out your mead—or oat milk, if you're watching in 2025.
Deep Dive: Why it's more than a laugh-fest
Look past the humor, and you'll see Catherine Called Birdy is stealthily profound.
It's about autonomy. Girlhood. How society tries (and fails) to tame women through tradition. It's Little Women if Jo March had to dodge Lord Muckface of Blech-on-Stench.
Lena Dunham brings a modern feminist lens without shoving it down your throat. You don't need TikTok lingo or iPhones in the background to know that Birdy's fight feels eerily current. Bella Ramsey doesn't just play Birdy—she is Birdy: witty, raw, and radiating “not today, Satan” energy.
Did an actor shine? Oh absolutely—several did.
Bella Ramsey is incandescent. You might know her as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones or Ellie in The Last of Us, but here she flexes her comedy chops with such effortless charm that it's almost criminal.
Andrew Scott deserves his own knighthood for comedic timing. His character, Lord Rollo, is ridiculous and relatable, which is no small feat. Also? Billie Piper plays Birdy's mother with such maternal frustration and warmth, you'll want her to tuck you in and also slap you upside the head.
Fast Facts from the Medieval Mayhem
Q: Was Birdy a real person?
A: Nope! But she might as well have been. Karen Cushman's novel (1994 Newbery Honor Book!) was praised for historical accuracy blended with rebellious flair.
Q: Did they use actual medieval lingo?
A: Surprisingly, yes—and hilariously no. The dialogue feels just archaic enough to sound “ye olde” but smooth enough for a TikTok crowd to get it.
Q: Is it kid-friendly?
A: Mostly. There's bloodletting, fart jokes, and awkward puberty bits—but it's PG-13, and your 14-year-old will love it.
Q: Who else appears in the film?
A: Joe Alwyn (yes, that Joe—Swifties, take note) plays a knightly love interest. Don't blink or you'll miss Russell Brand. Seriously.
If this movie doesn't convince you, check your pulse.
Here's the deal: Catherine Called Birdy is clever, chaotic, and downright cathartic. It turns history class into a playground, serves girl power without the Pinterest quotes, and reminds us that even in the Middle Ages, teenagers were weird, wonderful rebels just trying to find their voice.
If that doesn't deserve your watchlist, maybe you're already dead inside.
So—would you trade your cow for Birdy's hand? Or just watch her throw dung at Lord Muckface and live vicariously? Either way, hit play. And then tell your friends. Loudly. With a goose on your head.
Looking for a good laugh? This film has earned its spot on our carefully curated list of The Best Comedies on Prime Video ! If you're in the mood for more chuckles, check out the full lineup. From witty banter to side-splitting antics, we've got something for every comedy lover. Dive in and discover your next favorite feel-good movie—because laughter truly is the best medicine!
