The Florida Project – Film Review

When it comes to independent films, A24 is no slouch in what they distribute. They select good pieces of art to the masses and find the right talent to tell stories for the big screen. This film stars mostly unknown actors aside from the wonderful supporting performance from Willem DaFoe as the motel manager. This film showcases young children living out of motels in Florida outside of the theme park area of Walt Disney World in Orlando. The film has such a strong sense of innocence with the kids being the main focus of the film.

The narratively follows those kids of parents who are lower income and showcases their daily struggles. The kids are written and portrayed like kids with both good and bad sides to them. They can be evil hellions and sweet as can be in the same scene. The main girl is named Moonee and her mother, Halley is someone who panhandles to make ends meet to pay for the rent and food for her daughter. Something we never really see in theaters, which almost feels like this is their real life and you feel bad for the characters, especially the children despite how horrible they may behave.

These are the rooms we’re not supposed to go in… But let’s go anyways!

Those who are disenfranchised and have to struggle to live day to day. You can see that in the breakout performance by Bria Vinaite, who is new acting. She really shows what she strives to do to make sure there is enough money for her daughter to have something to eat and have a place to sleep. Though a lot of what Halley does is disgusting and brutal, it is all the human instincts that drive us to survive, those who are left to the side should not be forgotten.

Willem Dafoe’s performance as one of the hotel managers is a great support to the over films credibility. Sean Baker does a great job in his follow up to his experimental film ‘Tangerine.’ He does a great job with the camera in where to place each shot. The colors are so vibrant and artistic without feeling unnatural. I would definitely recommend watching this film when it comes to streaming on Amazon Prime or renting on another digital platform.

9/10