A Pigeon, a Widow, and a Road Trip That Rekindles Life

The Unlikely Love Story That Wasn't

When I first heard about Kornél Mundruczó's latest film, 'Place to Be,' I was skeptical. A movie about a widowed woman and her pigeon? Really? But then I met the man behind the camera, and suddenly I wasn't just curious — I was intrigued.

"I always wanted to give her a love story because her body of work is rather dark, you know? I wanted to do kind of a light movie for her, that was also something very important and special for me," Mundruczó told Variety.

That's when I realized this wasn't going to be another somber drama. It was going to be something altogether different — a warm-hearted story of self-discovery, wrapped in the wings of an unlikely friendship.

The Golden Lion's Golden Moment

With Ellen Burstyn's presence already a given, the real question became: how does one make a film that feels both personal and universal? Mundruczó took on that challenge by setting the stage in what he calls an “urban road movie.” And who better to guide us through this journey than the indomitable Ellen Burstyn herself?

Brooke's Journey, Pigeon's Lesson

In 'Place to Be,' Burstyn plays Brooke — a woman in her seventies, trying to navigate life after loss. Her children, concerned about her wellbeing, want her to move into a retirement home. But Brooke has other plans.

• She opens her window to a pigeon who won't leave.
• Instead of letting the bird go, she decides to take him on a cross-country journey — one that will ultimately teach her and her new companion, Nelson (played by Taika Waititi), that it's never too late to start over.

The idea struck Mundruczó while attending a pigeon race — a beautiful tradition where specially trained birds are transported to a location and released, then fly home. "It was so beautiful," he said. "It was like something forgotten, because pigeons were so important in the past — this is a messenger bird that comes from the Bible."

Why Pigeons Matter More Than You Think

Mundruczó's love affair with these birds went beyond mere symbolism. In fact, the film features seventeen real pigeons, each one a performer in their own right. “Ellen fell in love with at least five of them,” Mundruczó laughed.

The use of live birds wasn't just for effect — it was a deliberate choice to honor their natural behaviors and create authentic moments of connection between characters and animals.

"Part of the story that I'm really proud of is we didn't lose a single pigeon!" Mundruczó proudly declared, adding that 1,000 birds were used during production across Sydney and New York.

And speaking of the characters, there's no shortage of heart here. Waititi's Nelson brings warmth and humor to the screen, while Burstyn's Brooke is given a chance to shine in a role that feels fresh and deeply felt.

The Beauty of Aging Stars

There's something poetic about how Mundruczó frames aging stars — not as fading glories but as enduring forces. The pigeon becomes a metaphor for this idea: once important, still relevant, still carrying the weight of past greatness.

"Once you had that kind of importance, and your importance is not there anymore but you're still the same quality," Mundruczó reflected.

He's not alone in this sentiment. In a time when Hollywood often celebrates youth, 'Place to Be' reminds us that age brings depth, experience, and a richness that can't be replicated.

Ellen Burstyn: A Master of the Craft

What struck me most was how Mundruczó's admiration for Burstyn is mutual. After working together on 'Pieces of a Woman,' he knew immediately that he wanted to bring her back — and this time, for something entirely different.

"She was [on set] for two or three days only, and I loved her," Mundruczó said. "Of course, I love her movies, but just to work with her was on another level. I felt I was with a master."

Burstyn's presence is magnetic — not because of the roles she's played in horror or tragedy, but because she brings humanity and truth to every frame. And here, in 'Place to Be,' that humanity shines even brighter.

Hope in Motion

As I watched 'Place to Be' unfold, I found myself thinking about what happens when we stop trying so hard to control our lives and start embracing the unexpected. The film is ultimately about choice — whether it's choosing to stay put or leave, to let go or hold on.

Final Thoughts

'Place to Be' is a quiet masterpiece that doesn't demand attention but earns it through sincerity and soul. With its gentle humor, beautiful cinematography, and unforgettable performances — especially from Burstyn and Waititi — this film proves that sometimes the most profound stories are told with the smallest of gestures.

And if you're lucky enough to see it, don't be surprised if you find yourself falling in love with a pigeon too.