Little Wings (2024) Ending Explained – Does Jaan Vari get his bird back?

Little Wings Plot Summary

The film introduces us to Kaitlyn McKay, a daydreaming backbencher who often forgets her assignments and projects. Her homeroom teacher constantly reminds her to take her studies seriously to avoid repeating the class. Kaitlyn’s life is further complicated by her parents’ tumultuous divorce and her mother’s decision to sell their house.

Despite these challenges, Kaitlyn looks forward to receiving an iPhone from her parents’ partner as a form of comfort. However, her expectations are shattered when her mother’s boss, Ben, gives her a pair of racing pigeons instead.

Why does Kaitlyn steal Granger? 

Kaitlyn’s friend Adam becomes enamoured with the racing pigeons and spends an entire night researching their remarkable qualities. He discovers that these pigeons are incredibly rare and owned by notable enthusiasts like Mike Tyson and Jaan Vari. Jaan’s prized pigeon, Granger, is especially valuable, having fathered a lineage of exceptional racing pigeons.

Kaitlyn suggests stealing Granger and selling him for a hefty sum to save her mother’s house from being sold. Despite the risks, Adam agrees to help when Kaitlyn offers to make out with him. Their plan hits a snag when Jaan catches them on his roof, but they manage to steal Granger. However, Adam makes it clear afterward that he wants nothing more to do with Kaitlyn or the pigeon.

With the help of Kiril, a Russian-American student at her school, Kaitlyn attempts to sell Granger to the Russian Pigeon Mafia. However, she only manages to get twenty-five grand, leaving her still in need of seventy-five grand more. 

Why didn’t Jaan tell Maddie anything about the theft?

Jaan arrives at Kaitlyn’s house, but instead of revealing that Kaitlyn has stolen his pigeon, he decides to keep it to himself. Jaan lies to Maddie about Kaitlyn’s passion for pigeon racing and offers to set up a pigeon loft in her backyard to help her pursue her interest. However, Jaan confronts Kaitlyn privately and asks about his pigeon.

Kaitlyn lies, saying Adam has it. Jaan warns her to return the pigeon by Friday, or he will tell Maddie everything. This leaves Kaitlyn in a difficult situation, trying to figure out how to get Granger back without jeopardizing her plan to save her mother’s house. On Friday, Kaitlyn informs Jaan that she has sold his bird to the Russian Pigeon Mafia. She tells Jaan that she no longer cares if he tells her mother.

It’s evident that Jaan cherishes the bird deeply, and Kaitlyn’s actions have devastated him. It is also revealed that Jaan is suffering from lung cancer. Despite this, Jaan chooses not to disclose any of this to Maddie, as it would only create more turmoil between a mother and a daughter who has made a foolish mistake. As Kaitlyn returns home, she learns that someone has made an offer on the house, and her mother is planning on accepting it. 

Does Jaan Vari get his bird back?

After really bonding with her pigeons, Romeo and Charlie Ticket, Kaitlyn totally gets how Jaan must be feeling. She decides to help Jaan reunite with Granger, but Adam’s not into it and wants no part in the plan. So, Jaan and Kaitlyn drive to the pigeon club to see if there is any gossip about Granger. While they’re there, Jaan even signs up Kaitlyn’s bird for the next race.

Kaitlyn spots the Russian Pigeon Mafia and it jogs her memory about her past mistake. She breaks down in the car, but it only bolsters her resolve to get Granger back. Since Adam wasn’t up for any more heists, Kaitlyn turned to her laid-back brother, Matt, for help. Using some Macgyver tricks, Matt manages to break into the warehouse and rescue the bird.

It’s a big moment for Matt as he finally regains his confidence and smiles for the first time in two years. But as Kaitlyn puts the bag of money down, she breaks down in tears, worried about losing her house. On their way back, they’re intercepted by the mafia, leading Jaan to release Granger. Sadly, the bird doesn’t make it back home.

What happens in the end? 

Even though what Kaitlyn did was wrong in so many ways, it ended up bringing her a great friend, someone she’ll never be able to forget. Jaan built a loft for Kaitlyn’s bird, kept the theft a secret from her mother, and even taught her how to race pigeons. Jaan made Kaitlyn a better person, someone to look up to and take inspiration from.

Jaan taught Kaitlyn the meaning of life, showing her that no matter the trouble, we should always look for the silver lining, as it can help us find our way back home, meaning it can help us find ourselves. As the film nears its end, Granger returns to Kaitlyn’s house. Jaan asks Kaitlyn to take good care of him, saying Granger belongs there, his home. Maddie also decides not to sell the house after surprisingly getting money from her husband.

 


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