Directed & Edited By: Sean Baker
Written By: Sean Baker & Chris Bergoch
Cinematography By: Alexis Zabe
Cast: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe, Caleb Landry Jones, Mela Murder, Krystal Gordon, Macon Blair
Set over one summer, the film follows precocious six-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 Walt Disney World.
This is the rare film that shows a story more form the kids point of view. Though there are scenes where the adult characters reveal certain Situations and aspects. Where the children are more in the background or absent. So that we get to know a little about everyone.
The kids are magical as even when they are annoying they are just so fun and charming
I find it hard to put into words this film. As like most great films they are more of an experience and the more you watch you examine at times to try and find exactly what ingredient or sequences enrapture you.
All the performances feel lived in and so realistic that they are In Themselves heartbreaking.
This is the first film where the director has worked with a recognized big name actor. Though Willem Dafoe is in the film in more a supporting role. He is seen throughout the film though fits in with the cast. As we don’t know everything about his character but we get glimpses. We realize he has a difficult job and he cares about the residents but his hands are tied to a certain degree.
Though at times you might wish to learn a little more about the residents and revolve around them a bit more. Though that is what makes the film so strong is that you are satisfied but also makes you wonder about every aspect but not feel so much disappointed but just natural wonder. Just as the kids throughout seem to keep.
This film takes a look at residents of a short term motel. Where many live and are on the lower income side of the tracks. Though are right outside and close to Disney land the magic kingdom. Their hardships and ways of life are shown. Though the film focuses on Moonee (Played by Brooklynn Prince) and her mother. As those who mainly revolve around them.
Bria Vinaite who plays the mother and defacto lead was discovered by the director on instagram. She proves to be a force to reckoned with in the role.
Some of the harder scenes are in the second act. When it seems everything starts to go wrong. Especially the disillusionment and breakdown of a friendship. Which will in turn effect the rest of the film. Leading a character to in some ways become the villain of the year in terms of movies, maybe inadvertently or just that malicious.
We see the hard times and the good times. As the kids don’t necessarily realize the difference as their parent make the best of it they can even when some might have to go to certain lower circumstances to make money. Just to live.
Sean Baker once again focuses his lens on everyday life of people. No one really examines or shows on screen. He is a humanitarian filmmaker who finds beautiful stories in the everyday in communities and characters who are families but rarely get a chance to be seen or have stories told about them. I always look forward to his films actually. As you are guaranteed to see something you have never seen before. Maybe a familiar story but not characters.
Though his films have style they seem more like documentaries. Slice of life that don’t rely on plot so much as they do characters. His films are naturalistic.
The ending in particular is a heartbreaker that touches your heart and leaves you with worry a bit.
Grade: A
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