Genre: Drama
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Brooklynn Prince, Christopher Rivera, Aiden Malik, Grandma Stacy, Valeria Cotto, Edward Pagan, Bria Vinaite, Patti Wiley, Jasineia Ramos, Willem Dafoe, Rosa Medina Perez, Mela Murder, Krystal Nicole Watts, Sandy Kane, Jim R. Coleman
Description: Set over one summer, the film follows precocious six-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother (Bria Vinaite), all while living in the shadows of Walt Disney World.
Review: Director Sean Baker broke through with the film “Tangerine” las year. A film fully filmed with an IPhone. He proved that you don’t need a big budget to create a good film. He was named one of the biggest talents and we should keep an eye on him. And with that, there was extra pressure on him when “The Florida Project” was released.
We meet several residents of a motel, called the Magic Castle, which is just outside Disney World. They are all trying to keep their heads above water. Six-year-old Moonee and her friends don’t seem to realize that, that they are on the bottom of the social ladder. They spend the days on the streets, asking money for ice cream and teasing people. But the grown ups no longer dream of a better life. Moonees mother Halley sells perfume to tourists, but realizes that’s not enough.
We also meet the owner of the motel, Bobby. A likeable man who has the unthankful task to chase the residents for rent money. Even though he is pretty strict, he can’t help to have a weakness for the children. He tries everything to protect them.
Baker decided to show this world of inequality fro the perspective of the children. Often he chooses lower camera angles, to keep the camera with Moonee. A lot of the blanks you can fill in yourself, which makes you more involved. It’s not a story divided in three acts, but like life it just goes forward. We see glimpses of the character’s lives and the choices they make in this time period. De location is chosen perfectly. Knowing that just a few block away, richer families are having the time of their lives in Disney World, makes Moonee’s situation even harder to watch.
The style Baker shows, feels almost like a documentary. Also because of the natural performances by the actors. Brooklynn Prince is really strong as Moonee. A lot of dimension in this tiny girl, which makes her role beautiful. But Willem Dafoe is the adult that steals the show.
“The Florida Project” is a surprising and lively film. No clichés, it’s pure and authentic. Not a movie filled with exciting happenings, but a great look at society. Without any morals.
Rating: 4 / 5
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