Violence
Violence is a key part of this film and is represented by Maya's shotgun. After her father teaches her how to shoot, she goes out into the forest and deliberately kills an eagle. This rest of the film revolves around this shocking act of violence, exploring how humans bring violence and brutality into the natural world.
Rural life in the Phillipines
This film shows the violence that can exist in rural areas, which is not often depicted in films. Birdshot has been praised for its rich imagery, exploring rural life in the Philippines. Much of the imagery of this film is concerned with the natural world, such as the beautiful eagle that Maya kills. Ultimately, this represents the intrusion of human violence into the natural world.
The Forest
The forest is a key setting in this film and is depicted as being almost like a labyrinth. The forest is dark and foreboding, reflecting Maya's act of violence. When the consequences of Maya's actions come to fruition, she retreats into the forest, which becomes a place of safety and protection for her.
