So, you want to know where Bird (2024) was filmed? You’re in the right place. Andrea Arnold and her crew shot almost the entire movie in Kent, England, using spots like Gravesend, Dartford, Ashford, and the Isle of Sheppey. These locations set the scene for the film’s northern Kent vibe.
You’ll probably recognize places such as The Hive estate, Gravesend Civic Centre, and the Kingsferry Bridge. The filmmakers chose real local streets and landmarks, which gives everything a raw, lived-in feel.
If you’re into movies that highlight real towns or just like finding hidden gems, these filming spots might catch you off guard—in a good way.
Learning where a film was made can help you connect more with its story and world. Maybe you live close by, or maybe you just enjoy exploring through movies. Either way, here’s a guide to where Bird was filmed and what makes these Kent locations stand out. Want more specifics? You can check out Bird’s filming locations in Kent.
Filming Locations of Bird (2024)
Bird (2024) really roots itself in northern Kent. The story follows Bailey, Bug, and Hunter, and the film uses real places to ground their lives.
Each spot adds something unique, showing you where the characters hang out, struggle, and dream.
Gravesend and Northfleet
Gravesend features heavily in the movie. The Hive estate stands in for Tyler House, where Bird grew up. Gravesend Civic Centre is where Bug and Kayleigh tie the knot.
You’ll also spot the High Street and the Riverside Leisure Area by the Thames. The setting feels gritty and real.
Northfleet helps build Bailey’s world too. Both towns let you peek into daily life on a northern Kent housing estate.
Gravesend’s shops, parks, and riverside scenes make everything feel authentic.
Dartford and Bean
Dartford’s got this mix of old and new, which works perfectly for Bailey’s family life. The film shows streets and quiet fields in Bean, Dartford.
A private home there becomes Peyton’s house—Jasmine Jobson plays her. The Merry Chest Café pops up for Bug and Kayleigh’s wedding reception.
The Dartford area mixes history and modern life, creating a strong backdrop for the story.
Leysdown-on-Sea and Isle of Sheppey
Leysdown-on-Sea’s coastline brings a different flavor to the film. Bird’s dad’s place, the beach, and the promenade all come from here.
The seaside, with its wind and open sky, adds this subtle magical realism to the movie.
The Kingsferry Bridge connects the Isle of Sheppey to Kent. You’ll catch it in a memorable bus scene.
The bridge’s quieter roads made it easier for the film crew to work without too many interruptions. This area really gives off a sense of escape and movement.
Other Kent Filming Spots
The filmmakers didn’t just stick to the main towns. Ashford International train station and a nearby underpass also show up, hinting at how connected the characters’ world is.
You’ll catch glimpses of bridges near St Botolph Church and some quiet streets. These bits make the movie’s world feel fuller.
Director Andrea Arnold and cinematographer Robbie Ryan picked these spots to blend real life with the film’s emotional tone.
It’s hard not to notice how the cast—Nykiya Adams as Bailey, Barry Keoghan as Bug, Franz Rogowski as Bird, and Jason Buda as Hunter—bring these places to life.
Cinematic Style and Local Influence
The film’s style comes from a mix of its tight connection to Kent, skilled camera work, and some pretty deep storytelling. You’ll notice how Kent’s locations and the way the film is shot really pull you into the characters’ emotions.
The use of light and space helps you connect with Bailey, Bug, and Bird’s journeys.
Andrea Arnold’s Personal Connection to Kent
Andrea Arnold actually grew up close to these neighborhoods. That background gives Bird a sense of place you can’t fake.
She understands the area’s history and spirit, and it comes through in how she shows life on estates like The Hive.
Arnold’s earlier films—Wasp, American Honey—also dig into tough, real-life stuff. In Bird, her connection to Kent shapes the characters in a way that feels honest.
When you watch Bailey, you see a girl shaped by her home and surroundings. It feels personal, probably because it is.
Distinctive Cinematography by Robbie Ryan
Robbie Ryan’s camera work really sets the mood. He uses natural light and handheld shots, so you kind of feel like you’re right there with everyone.
Ryan’s worked with Arnold before, like on Fish Tank. In Bird, he captures both the roughness and beauty of Kent’s streets.
The way he shoots draws you into Bailey’s world—whether she’s out on the estate or in a quiet moment.
The cinematography strikes a balance between realism and a little bit of dreaminess, guiding you through the story’s ups and downs.
Themes of Resilience and Magical Realism
Bird throws you right into Bailey’s tough world, but it doesn’t just leave you there—it sprinkles in these moments that honestly feel a bit magical. Bailey faces a rough family life with Bug and her brother Hunter, but you can’t help but notice her resilience shining through.
The film leans on magical realism to show what’s going on inside Bailey’s head. Hope and struggle are always there, tangled up together. Bird, that mysterious stranger Franz Rogowski brings to life, steps in and shakes up how Bailey sees things. It’s subtle, but it matters.
You get this mix of grit and fantasy that gives the movie its own flavor. Somehow, it helps you feel Bailey’s strength and her daydreams—sometimes through hard reality, sometimes through a softer, almost whimsical lens.
