Thrilling Chase Drama ‘Early Birds’ Takes Flight at Grimmfest

Michael Steiner’s high-octane thriller Early Birds is gearing up for its Northern UK premiere at Grimmfest on 6th October, bringing a gritty dose of neo-noir to Manchester audiences. The film, set against the backdrop of Zurich’s underbelly, centres on two women—Annika, a Serbian-born single mother and petty thief, and Caro, a Turkish-Albanian call girl—who find themselves on the run after a wild night out leads to a violent and unexpected turn of events.

Early Birds begins in the chaotic aftermath of a party, as Annika (played by Nilam Farooq) and Caro (Silvana Synovia) discover themselves in possession of a mysterious package that everyone seems to want. From corrupt police officers to ruthless drug dealers, there’s no shortage of dangerous figures trailing them, forcing the unlikely duo to form a fragile alliance. As they navigate the city’s shadowy streets, the film delivers a fast-paced, tension-filled tale of survival, where both women are pushed to their limits.

The film blends the stylish aesthetic of classic noir with razor-sharp social commentary. Zurich’s gritty Langstrasse becomes almost a character of its own—dark, dangerous, yet captivating, captured beautifully through atmospheric night-time cinematography. Steiner’s use of fluid camerawork and quick-cut editing keeps the tension high, while the striking visuals provide an almost surreal contrast to the harsh reality faced by the protagonists. It’s not just the action sequences that impress but also the film’s sharp and often darkly humorous dialogue, which brings depth to its characters.

Annika and Caro are far from typical heroines; they are flawed, complex, and desperate, and this relatability only heightens the stakes. As they’re plunged into a violent game of cat and mouse, they must rely on each other despite their differences. The film not only delivers as a gripping thriller but also as a portrayal of female friendship forged under extreme pressure. As Grimmfest organisers put it, Early Birds feels like a much darker and more cynical reimagining of Desperately Seeking Susan, but set in a far more dangerous world, devoid of any comforting illusions of wish fulfilment.

Steiner, known for his work on films like Und Morgen Seid Ihr Tot and Sennentuntschi, brings his unique touch to this thriller, crafting a story that’s both relentlessly paced and visually stunning. This is heightened by the strong performances of Nilam Farooq and Silvana Synovia, who anchor the film with their portrayals of two women caught between survival and chaos. Anatole Taubman (Quantum of Solace) and Burak Yi?it add to the film’s dynamic cast, adding even more layers to the tense and often morally ambiguous story.

Steiner will be present at the screening at Grimmfest, offering attendees a chance to hear firsthand insights into the making of this Swiss thriller.

Early Birds trailer