The Florida Project (2017)
Stars: Brooklynn Prince, Bria Vinaite, Willem Dafoe
Runtime: 111 minutes
Performances: 10/10
Screenplay: 8/10
Costumes/Makeup: 9/10
Editing: 6/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Screenplay: 8/10
Costumes/Makeup: 9/10
Editing: 6/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Verdict: Sean Baker became known to the public in 2015 with the release of "Tangerine", a movie entirely shot on an iPhone that I strongly suggest checking out. Two years later, he came back with a film that very much feels related to its predecessor as it also is driven by the study of its characters and the conditions they live in.
"The Florida Project" follows Moonee and her relationship with her rebellious mother, Halley, who lives in a motel just next door to the happiest place on Earth. The decision to set this movie just outside Disney World added so much depth and contrast to both its atmosphere and themes of poverty, friendship, and the innocence of childhood. The film's purpose is to serve as a look at the lives of those unfortunate enough to live in these conditions and is rendered extremely efficient due to a phenomenal script that added so many layers to each and every character involved. The story in its essence is a sad one, but its the kids' ability to find joy in the simplest of things, much to the annoyance of the motel manager played by a brilliant Willem Dafoe, that makes it a heartwarming and even funny one as well. Bria Vinaite, who was discovered by Baker on Instagram, is also phenomenal as Halley, but it's Brooklynn Prince who is the true revelation of that project. Her performance is simply put one of the best child performances I have ever seen, and she played an immense role in turning her character into one that keeps the audience both entertained and emotionally invested in the narrative.
Aside from some minor pacing issues towards the middle, "The Florida Project" succeeds in doing exactly what it was aiming to achieve, and it does it beautifully. It's very obvious that Sean Baker put a lot of time and effort into researching the characters because none of them felt even slightly two-dimensional. It's one of the most sincere films to come out in recent years, and I cannot recommend it enough.
"The Florida Project" follows Moonee and her relationship with her rebellious mother, Halley, who lives in a motel just next door to the happiest place on Earth. The decision to set this movie just outside Disney World added so much depth and contrast to both its atmosphere and themes of poverty, friendship, and the innocence of childhood. The film's purpose is to serve as a look at the lives of those unfortunate enough to live in these conditions and is rendered extremely efficient due to a phenomenal script that added so many layers to each and every character involved. The story in its essence is a sad one, but its the kids' ability to find joy in the simplest of things, much to the annoyance of the motel manager played by a brilliant Willem Dafoe, that makes it a heartwarming and even funny one as well. Bria Vinaite, who was discovered by Baker on Instagram, is also phenomenal as Halley, but it's Brooklynn Prince who is the true revelation of that project. Her performance is simply put one of the best child performances I have ever seen, and she played an immense role in turning her character into one that keeps the audience both entertained and emotionally invested in the narrative.
Aside from some minor pacing issues towards the middle, "The Florida Project" succeeds in doing exactly what it was aiming to achieve, and it does it beautifully. It's very obvious that Sean Baker put a lot of time and effort into researching the characters because none of them felt even slightly two-dimensional. It's one of the most sincere films to come out in recent years, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Final Grade: 8/10
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