Truly depressing, but filled with excellent performances.
Set over one summer, the film follows precocious 6-year-old Moonee as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother, all while living in the shadows of Disney World.
It does pose an interesting ethical dilemma having 6 year olds partake in such horrific actions. Whatever your views on this maybe the results are amazing. Writer/Director Sean Baker has created incredible characters and his actors fill these roles exquisitely. Brooklynn Prince, Valeria Cotto and Christopher Rivera are incredibly talented young actors who make you sympathise with their tough situations. However, the characters ignorance to the situations around them and their horrible behaviour does make it harder to sympathise with them. Willem Dafoe is the true stand-out and hopefully he’ll get his Oscar at last. He doesn’t say a lot during the film, but his eyes convey his emotions and intentions perfectly.
Overall a depressing film with great music, cinematography and incredible performances. Something to look out for this Oscar season.
4 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of The Florida Project
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