Every Little Thing Review

Director: Sally Aitken

Cast: Terry Masear

Screenplay: Sally Aitken

Running Length: 1:33

MPAA Classification: Not Rated

U.S Release Date: 1-10-25 (Limited)

Genre: Documentary

        I'll admit, although I've always admired hummingbirds, I don't really know much about them beyond the most basic of facts. After watching Every Little Thing, I can't say my knowledge of them has improved. While the documentary fails to teach us more about these incredible creatures and fully explore its subject, there are some deeply touching moments (not to mention the stunning photography) that make this a worthwhile experience overall, even if it doesn't leave the kind of strong impression one might hope.

       The focus of the film centers on Terry Masear, a woman who has dedicated the last 18 years of her life to rehabilitating hummingbirds in her Los Angeles home. Over the course of the film, we follow the recovery process of several injured hummingbirds who are given names like Raisin, Cactus, Sugar Baby, and Wasabi that were rescued and brought to Terry’s compound by locals.  In the midst of watching these adorable creatures being nursed back to health, we're given a few details about Terry's life. 

       Much like the hummingbirds themselves, we never really learn about Terry beyond the little information Aitken provides. It's a shame, because the way she cares for each of these birds is remarkable, and she deserves to be celebrated for her actions. I just wish I could have been more invested in her story as I was in the outcome of the hummingbirds. It's hard not to root for these tiny birds and their survival. 

      Had we been given more facts not just about the hummingbirds but about Terry herself, Every Little Thing could have had more of an impact. Still, there are several heartbreaking moments as the fates of some of the birds she cares for are not the outcomes we hope for, but the kindness and compassion that she shows for these gentle creatures is enough to offset the lack of insight and make this documentary worth seeking out.