When The Birds was released in theatres in 1963, Alfred Hitchcock made people think twice about looking at the sky. How can something so innocent like a group of birds become a scary nightmare? Aspects such as these are exactly what makes the film so interesting and entertaining. It takes something that is considered normal in society and makes it terrifying.

Taking place in Bodega Bay, California, the movie’s protagonist Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren) comes up with a pair of love birds to make a romantic gesture. What commences as a trip that takes a quick turn in chaos when hundreds of birds begin attacking others out of the blue.

One of the most interesting things about the film is the way Alfred Hitchcock creates suspense. There is no better suspense in Alfred Hitchcock’s film than just disturbing supernatural feelings of silence. The sound of straight silence while birds are flapping their wings, and the scene of birds just standing there and staring is exactly what gives viewers goosebumps.

Even over half a century later, The Birds is still a true masterpiece in movies today. While the special effects are old school in today’s view, the authenticity of the film and the unsettling feeling makes The Birds more real. An idea of the nature of birds going against us suddenly feels odd but is also weirdly relevant with everything happening in the modern world.

If you have never experienced watching The Birds, you are missing out on one of the classic horror movies to be made. If you have watched it, maybe it’s time for a rewatch. Just try not to be surprised if you see birds outside your window with a little more suspicion.