Love Birds is a 2011 New Zealand romantic comedy film starring Rhys Darby and Sally Hawkins.
Maintenance officer Doug (Darby) is dumped by his high-maintenance girlfriend Susan for not doing more with his life. Shortly after this, Doug finds an injured shelduck seeking refuge. Doug initially decides to take it to an animal sanctuary, where he meets veterinarian and single mother Holly (Hawkins), but eventually decides to let the shelduck stay with him until its wing recovers, naming it "Pierre".
Doug and Holly take a liking to each other, and lots of Queen songs ensue.
Tropes
- A Boy and His X: Doug and his shelduck Pierre.
- AM/FM Characterization: Doug loves Queen. Various songs play during opportune moments, most notably when Doug engages in a chase scene while riding a BI-CYLE! BI-CYCLE! BIIIIICYCLLLLE!!!
- Bad People Abuse Animals: Susan's not so much "bad" as she is a bad match for Doug. He realises this when they go to a restaurant and she orders duck for the two of them.
- Black Comedy Animal Cruelty: When Doug's fellow maintenance workers see he's got an injured bird, they suggest putting it out of its misery. With a steamroller. Doug is quick to shoot down that idea.
- Broken Bird: Literally Pierre. His mate was shot by a hunter and he injured his wing in the commotion. By the time Doug finds him Pierre is understandably shaken up.
- Call a Smeerp a "Rabbit": Pierre is repeatedly called a duck even when it's stated that he's actually more closely related to geese and swans.
- Crazy Cat Lady: A bird variety. Doug tries to leave Pierre at a bird sanctuary, but has second thoughts once he sees that the manager is a bit of a whackjob.
- Dance Party Ending: In a similar vein to There's Something About Mary, the entire cast lipsynchs "Princes of the Universe" during the end credits.
- Groin Attack: Doug lets Pierre take a bath with him. He immediately regrets it."OW! THAT'S NOT A WORM!"
- Hospital Hottie: Holly is an attractive veterinarian. Her assistant Brenda also counts, as she gets the attention of one of Doug's co-workers.
- Manchild: Subverted. Susan accuses Doug of being one because he still lives at his parents' house. It's later revealed that both of his parents are dead and he keeps their ashes, showcasing that Susan was just looking for a reason to dump him. Doug himself is about as mature as any other man his age.
- Nice Guy: Doug. He can get a bit irritable at times, but he does try to be friendly.
- Single Woman Seeks Good Man: Holly takes a liking to Doug due to his compassionate nature and general contentment with his life. Contrast this with Doug's ex Susan, who dumped him for not being more ambitious.
- Third Act Stupidity: Doug gets a call from Susan saying she wants to get back with him. Doug already has a good thing going with Holly, yet in a moment of frustration he breaks it off with her so he can get back with Susan. Doug then spends the remainder of the film realising he screwed up and tries to win back Holly.
