Random Birb: The Florida Project

The Florida Project
Starring: Brooklyn Prince, Willem Dafoe, and Bria Vinaite
Directed By: Sean Baker
US Release Date: October 6th, 2017
My First Viewing: February 18th, 2018
Image Credit: movieposter.com

Within the shadows of the happiest place on Earth, The Florida Project shows the not-so-glitzy side of Orlando and living near Disney.

The film shows the perspective of kids (led by Brooklyn Prince's Mooney) growing up near the theme park in the grimy pay-by-week motels. Bria Vinaite plays Mooney's mother, someone who will do anything to ensure she can provide for her kid and make sure they keep the roof over their head. As the movie progresses, we see her level of desperation increase, and this becomes just as much her story in the second half as it is Mooney's in the first. Both are breakout stars in the movie, which also gets a great supporting piece in veteran actor Willem Dafoe playing the hotel manager.

Sean Baker (who also wrote the film), gives an all-to-real slice of life in what it's like to live in this condition. The use of brightness of the outside contrasts well with the darkness of what occurs inside. Between this film and his last feature Tangerine, Baker isn't afraid to give us an entertaining glimpse of reality, and I am excited to see what he has in store in the future.

The Florida Project is rated R for language, brief violence, and drug/sexual content. What are your thoughts? Comment below, and as always, be civil.

-birb

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