Beasts of the Southern Wild Review
I know this is a late one but I only recently got round to seeing it after missing it when it was released late last year. I understood the general idea of it from the trailers, but what I did not realise was how good it actually turned out.
The film's plot, if you can call it that, revolves around the lives of a community of people living on the edge of America in the deep South, their community is threatened by a flood and a little girl called hush puppy and her father must survive. It sounds simple, and it is, but the main difference to a lot of films here is that the narrative is told in a poetic way, it isn't a set of plot points that follow on from one to another, but rather Hush Puppy's perspective of the events around her. In this sense, it draws similarities to films like The Tree of Life, where there is a plot but it is told in a way which is not obvious and instead focuses on the characters' feelings and experiences. There are several basic commentaries made in the film, the first being a somewhat preachy environmental lesson regarding the ice caps melting, the second being an anti consumerism theme which is not forced down the audiences throats, but is still creeping in the background of the events that unfold. While some may see this as a fantasy film from the trailers, presumably a way to attract a larger audience, the film is in no way a fantasy film. The beasts in question are merely the fears of little Hush Puppy, and by the end of the film, these literal beasts are dispelled in a way which suggests a coming of age. This coming of age leads to an ending which is very moving and emotional, and as the closing credits roll you're sure to at the very least have been touched.
The lead role played by Quvenzhane Wallis is absolutely sensational, its easy to see why she was nominated for so many awards, she is sure to become one of the future great talents of the industry. Wallis manages to capture the essence of childhood, while at the same time portraying the difficulties of having to grow up wonderfully and effectively. Dwight Henry as Hush Puppie's dad Wink is also a brilliant performance, more so towards the end of the film, you genuinely feel like this could be a real father and daughter, which makes the film even more affecting. As well as the acting, the cinematography is gorgeous, I'm a sucker for a shaky handheld camera, I find that done well it really adds immersion factor, and in this case I felt that it succeeded. I understand some critic's frustration at the direction, particularly during scenes of movement and action, as it sometimes seems unnecessarily distracting and motion sick inducing, but in the larger context I felt that it succeeded. The environments are also beautiful, with some amazing industrial backdrops and impressive lighting effects used to make the film look as natural as possible, though not anywhere near the level of a Dogme 95 film.
If you're looking for an uplifting, yet gritty and realistic film, which will require some effort from you, then watch this film. If on the other hand you need some mind numbing popcorn entertainment, give this a miss, as the patience and effort required from the viewer will turn some people off. Overall a magnificent directorial debut with some stunning performances.
9/10
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