Free Birds 2013
Directed by
Ash Brannon
Made by
Relativity Media
Plot Summary
Reggie the Turkey, voiced by Owen Wilson, has lived his life in dread of Thanksgiving, fully aware that turkeys usually end up on the menu. His desperate attempts to alert his fellow farm-dwelling turkeys about their fate fall on deaf ears, leading to his exile from the flock. As a twist of fate unfolds, Reggie is unexpectedly designated the “pardoned turkey” by the President, allowing him to enjoy a life of leisure at Camp David. Initially resistant, Reggie soon finds joy in pizza deliveries from the Pizza Dude and binge-watching telenovelas.
However, things take a sharp turn just days before Thanksgiving when he is abducted by Jake, played by Woody Harrelson, the sole member of the Turkeys Liberation Front. Jake insists that a “Great Turkey” has instructed him to take Reggie back to the inaugural Thanksgiving to ensure turkeys are off the menu forever. Despite numerous attempts to escape and elude capturing federal agents, Jake secures an egg-shaped time machine piloted by the A.I. named S.T.E.V.E. and ventures to the fateful day in 1621.
Upon their arrival, they find themselves under attack from colonial hunters led by Myles Standish. Their rescue comes from a group of native turkeys, guided by Chief Broadbeak, who inform them that settlers have forced their kind to retreat underground. As Reggie gets to know Jenny, one of Broadbeak’s children, he quickly falls for her charm.
The following day, while Jake and Ranger spy on the settlers, Reggie and Jenny work to dismantle their hunting traps. Initially skeptical of Reggie’s claims of being from the future, Jenny is soon impressed by his innovative methods. However, a confrontation with Standish leads Reggie to have Jenny orbiting in S.T.E.V.E., and he manages to validate his story in the process.
As feelings grow, Reggie suggests that Jenny join him in the future, but her loyalty to her flock holds her back. Meanwhile, Jake reveals his personal stakes in this mission, stemming from a childhood incident involving three turkey eggs he couldn’t save. Together they attempt to sabotage the settlers’ plans but inadvertently lead the hunters directly to them, resulting in Broadbeak’s tragic death.
With a determination to prevent further bloodshed, Reggie ultimately returns to Camp David, where he encounters multiple future versions of himself who reveal that he is, in fact, the Great Turkey. Motivated by this understanding, he travels back once more, successfully persuading the settlers that pizza is a better alternative for Thanksgiving than turkeys.
In the finale, Reggie chooses to stay with Jenny while Jake departs with S.T.E.V.E., yet Jake returns almost immediately, implying that their time-travel escapades have caused unforeseen consequences in the timeline.
Timeline
Reggie's Life in Fear
Reggie the Turkey has always been aware of his dreadful fate during Thanksgiving, where turkeys are typically chosen for the holiday feast. His attempts to warn his fellow turkeys about this grim reality fall flat, leading to his eventual exile from the flock, leaving him alone and fearful.
Pardoned by the President
In a surprising turn of events, Reggie is chosen as the 'pardoned turkey' by the President, allowing him to escape his fate and enjoy a life of leisure at Camp David. This unexpected honor grants him the freedom to relish pizzas and binge-watch telenovelas, a stark contrast to his previous life.
Abduction by Jake
Just days before Thanksgiving, Reggie's peaceful life is disrupted when he is abducted by Jake, a fervent member of the Turkeys Liberation Front. Jake reveals that he believes a 'Great Turkey' has sent him to save Reggie and prevent turkeys from ending up on dinner plates.
Time Travel to 1621
Jake employs an egg-shaped time machine, piloted by the A.I. named S.T.E.V.E., to transport Reggie back to the inaugural Thanksgiving in 1621. They arrive to find themselves under immediate threat from colonial hunters, heightening the urgency of their mission.
Rescue by Native Turkeys
In a stroke of fortune, Reggie and Jake are rescued by a group of native turkeys led by Chief Broadbeak. The native turkeys explain the plight they have suffered due to the settlers, having been driven underground, prompting Reggie to think of ways to help.
Meeting Jenny
During his time with the native turkeys, Reggie meets Jenny, one of Chief Broadbeak’s children. Despite the world around them being chaotic, Reggie finds himself drawn to Jenny's charm, sparking a budding romance amidst the danger.
Dismantling Traps
While Jake and Ranger spy on the settlers, Reggie and Jenny work together to dismantle hunting traps set by the colonial hunters. At first skeptical of Reggie's story, Jenny starts to believe in his futuristic knowledge as they bond over their efforts to protect their kin.
Confrontation with Standish
A confrontation with Myles Standish, the hunter, results in Reggie having to use S.T.E.V.E. for a daring escape with Jenny. This incident not only confirms much of Reggie's story, but it also solidifies the importance of their mission to unite against the settlers.
The Tragic Loss of Broadbeak
Reggie, Jake, and Jenny attempt to sabotage the settlers' plans to ensure the safety of turkeys, but their failure leads to the hunters discovering their location. This tragic encounter results in the death of Chief Broadbeak, a major blow to Reggie's resolve and their mission.
Reggie's Return to Camp David
Reggie returns to Camp David devastated but determined to change the course of history. Here, he meets various future versions of himself who enlighten him about his identity as the Great Turkey, setting the stage for his final act of persuasion.
Pizza Over Turkey
Emboldened by his new knowledge, Reggie travels back to the past once more to convince the settlers that pizza should replace turkey as the Thanksgiving meal. His fervent persuasion leads to a historical shift, altering the fate of turkeys permanently.
A New Future Together
In the conclusion of his journey, Reggie makes the choice to stay with Jenny in the past, hoping to build a life together. Meanwhile, Jake leaves with S.T.E.V.E. but returns almost immediately, hinting at unforeseen consequences from their time-traveling adventures.
Characters
Reggie the Turkey (voiced by Owen Wilson)
Reggie is a clever and somewhat cynical turkey who is aware of his impending doom during Thanksgiving. His journey from a reluctant hero to an empowered figure showcases his growth and determination to protect his kind. Through humor and strategic thinking, he finds a way to challenge the status quo.
Jake (voiced by Woody Harrelson)
Jake is a passionate and eccentric member of the Turkeys Liberation Front, driven by a desire for revenge against the human hunters. His enthusiasm and sense of purpose contrast sharply with Reggie's initial indifference. He embodies loyalty and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, despite his tragic past.
Jenny (Chief Broadbeak's daughter)
Jenny is a brave and smart native turkey who represents her community's resilience. Initially skeptical of Reggie, she grows to admire his creativity and bravery. Her internal struggle between loyalty to her flock and her attraction to Reggie adds depth to her character.
Setting
Time period
1621
The story unfolds in 1621, a crucial year in American history marking the first Thanksgiving. It was a time of exploration and confrontation between Native Americans and European settlers. The events in the movie reflect the tensions and struggles of this time, particularly from the perspective of the native turkeys.
Location
Camp David, 1621, Underground Turkey Hideouts
Camp David serves as a tranquil retreat for Reggie after being pardoned, where he enjoys leisure activities. The historical setting of 1621 is pivotal, as it marks the first Thanksgiving and the clash between settlers and the native turkeys. The underground hideouts represent the refuge of native turkeys, showcasing their resilience against colonial hunters.
Themes
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Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in the movie is re-envisioned as a time for peace and alternative traditions instead of serving turkey. It explores the impact of the holiday on turkeys and transports the themes of survival and community amid conflict. The desire to change the narrative surrounding Thanksgiving forms the heart of Reggie's journey.
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Time Travel
Time travel intertwines the characters' fates, emphasizing the consequences of their actions across timelines. Reggie's attempts to influence the past suggest that one can alter the future through courage and collective effort. This theme highlights the importance of using knowledge from the future to effect change.
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Sacrifice
The theme of sacrifice is evident through characters like Jake, who grapples with his past, and Reggie, who risks everything for Jenny and the turkey community. The emotional weight of their decisions showcases the personal stakes involved in their mission. Ultimately, it reflects the struggle between personal desires and communal responsibilities.
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