our January 2025 picks of the best new bubbling-under films • Journal • A Magazine • , Life in canada

Directed by Sally Aitken.
Now playing in select US theaters.
Kino Lorber

Up in the sun-drenched Hollywood Hills, a woman named Terry Masear has dedicated her life and her land to creating a sanctuary and rehab facility for wounded hummingbirds. In Every Little Thing, documentarian Sally Aitken tells her story as viewers follow the rehabilitation journeys of several birds. This film will uplift your heart as often as it will break it (spoiler alert: some of the birds do not make it), but more than anything it will reignite your belief in the power of small acts of kindness and grace.

Beautifully photographed by a trio of DPs (Nathan Barlow, Dan Freene and Ann Johnson Prum), many members have noted its gorgeous imagery, like Chesney, who calls it “visually stunning with fantastic audio design that makes you want to reach out and touch the birds.” DirectorFranco agrees, noting, “For the first time in a while, I found myself glued to the screen, eyes wide open, fully immersed, and a couple tears in the end. The meticulous attention to detail is incredible. The film’s captivating and magical essence serves as a soothing balm for the soul.”

Aitken deftly weaves Masear’s personal story with that of the birds she works with, including fan favorite Cactus. Lacey says the “film is a true treasure. A story of hope, resilience, bravery and a celebration of the triumphant and anything but tiny victories of healing. A tribute to the boundless beauties in nature. A gift of enduring empathy.” Be prepared to weep openly, like Janessa, who writes, “I just cried like the whole way through, if you’re a hummingbird girlie, this is for you.” MEG