Sally Aitken‘s uplifting documentary Every Little Thing perfectly captures a feeling of hopefulness the world needs right now. Proving that small acts of kindness can make a big difference, the filmmaker turns her lens on Terry Masear, a hummingbird rehabilitator who dedicates her life to preserving the most vulnerable and smallest bird species. Having made its premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, Every Little Thing flies into the Laemmle’s Monica Film Center this weekend with a national expansion to follow.

Observing Nature’s Gentle Warriors

From the moment we meet Los Angeles resident Terry Masear, it’s clear that she is living out her life’s destiny. Terry is somewhat of a local legend in the birder community, known for the hummingbird rescue she runs out of her home. An empathetic and knowledgeable one-woman show, Terry is an expert at pinpointing the physical and emotional ailments of these small animals. Speaking directly to the camera with a tiny creature in her hand, Terry effortlessly showcases both her maternal instincts and intellectual prowess.

Watch the trailer for Every Little Thing here.

Throughout the film’s hour-and-a-half runtime, Terry takes in and cares for a handful of birds she charmingly names “Larry Bird”, “Cactus”, and “Jimmy”. Filmmaker Sally Aitken highlights the beauty and fragility of these animals by quietly observing Terry’s compassion and empathy. However, like most nature documentaries, Every Little Thing doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities of Mother Nature. Some moments are difficult to get through with dry eyes, yet every death is acknowledged with dignity and respect.

The Hummingbird’s Biggest Fan

Terry’s Hummingbird Rescue has been operational for over 20 years, making her the longest-practicing hummingbird rehabilitation expert in the country. Every Little Thing is based on Terry’s best-selling book, Fastest Things on Wings. The documentary mirrors the book by intimately showing the triumphs and heartbreaks of rehabilitating orphaned and injured hummingbirds. Terry’s impact has directly led to the increased health of the hummingbird population as well as enhanced their breeding and nesting practices.

Takeaway

If any movie can restore faith in humanity, it is Every Little Thing. This charming indie film acts as a beacon of light and goodwill. It offers space for genuine reflection and serves as a reminder that no act of kindness is too small.