The Florida Project

The Florida Project, directed by Sean Baker, is a poignant and vibrant portrayal of the lives of children growing up in the margins of society. The film is set in a rundown motel near the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, where 6-year-old Moonee and her friends spend their summer break amidst the vibrant hues and eclectic characters of their community. Moonee, played by Brooklynn Prince, is a precocious and spirited child who has a knack for getting into trouble. She lives with her mother, Halley, in the Magic Castle, a motel that caters to low-income families, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet. Despite their precarious circumstances, Halley and Moonee share a close bond, with Halley trying her best to provide for her daughter and give her a sense of security. Moonee's summer break is filled with adventure and possibility, as she embarks on various escapades with her friends, including Jancey, a quiet and reserved girl who shares Moonee's love for exploration, and Bobby Hicks, a charming and charismatic boy who has a knack for getting them into trouble. Together, they explore the motel, play pranks on the other residents, and get into mischief, always staying one step ahead of the motel manager, Bobby's father, who tries to keep them in line. As the summer wears on, however, it becomes clear that the adults around Moonee and her friends are struggling to make ends meet. Halley, in particular, is facing a series of financial crises, from losing her job to struggling to pay the motel's exorbitant fees. Despite her best efforts, she is barely scraping by, and her relationship with Moonee becomes increasingly strained as the pressure mounts. One of the motel's residents, a kind and gentle older woman known only as Allison, becomes a source of comfort and support for Halley and Moonee. Allison, played by Bria Vinaite, is a complex and multifaceted character, who seems to be struggling with her own demons. Despite her tough exterior, she has a soft spot for Moonee and Halley, and tries to offer them advice and guidance when they need it most. As the summer draws to a close, Moonee's world begins to shrink. Her mother's struggles become more pronounced, and she is forced to confront the harsh realities of the adult world. One of the most poignant moments in the film comes when Halley and Moonee are evicted from the motel, and they are forced to face the uncertainty of their future. The scene is shot in a stark and unflinching manner, revealing the fragility of their existence and the impermanence of their lives. Throughout the film, Baker's cinematography captures the vibrant colors and textures of the motel and its inhabitants. The film's use of long takes and handheld camera work creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy, drawing the viewer into the world of the characters. The score, composed by Lionel Mark Smith and Brian McKay, is equally impressive, using a mix of electronic and organic sounds to evoke the sense of possibility and adventure that defines Moonee's summer break. The Florida Project is a powerful and poignant portrayal of the lives of children growing up in poverty. It is a film that challenges the viewer to confront the harsh realities of the adult world, and to see the world through the eyes of the young. With its vibrant colors, eclectic characters, and unflinching portrayal of poverty, the film is a true masterpiece of contemporary cinema.