The Florida Project
This review of The Florida Project is spoiler-free!
America is in the midst of multiple different crises, whether they be guns, drugs, homeless, or economic, there are so many different kinds of issues facing our country. Sometimes, we are able to raise awareness for these major issues through film. Whether it be by reenacting famous events or creating new environments that showcase just how problematic certain parts of the world are for us as humans, and those coming after us. The Florida Project feels more like a means to show us a darker part of America, and to that extent, it truly succeeds. As an overall film though? Let's discuss.
The Florida Project focuses on the story of the young girl Moonee, and her drug-addicted mother Halley. Living in the projects outside of the magical world of Disney, these two make their lives in a small hotel known as "The Magic Castle." Living week to week, they constantly find themselves having to switch rooms and stay in other hotels in order to avoid establishing residency. Even though Moonee lives in a hellish world, she finds a way to make her days happy and fun with her new friend Jancey. What she doesn't realize, being that she's just a child, is that her mother is going down a dark path in order to afford the living they have and the inability to keep up results in a terrible life for Moonee. The story of The Florida Project is subtle and heartbreaking. We meet this young girl who doesn't realize just how dire the straits are in her life, finding a way to enjoy her days, but little does she know just how bad she has it. It's a beautiful story that some could really misunderstand if they aren't watching with enough focus but it's truly great work.
If we're talking about characters there are three people really worth discussing. The first person I want to talk about is Halley, Moonee's mother. Portrayed by Bria Vinai, she's a deadbeat woman in a sense. Vinai plays her excellently and manages to really convey this sense of pain and pleasure that she has with her daily life. Halley rides the line between good mother and grimy addict. It's excellent work from a newcomer in Vinai. Following suit, before talking about the star of the film, it's important to talk about the manager of "The Magic Castle": Bobby. Willem Dafoe is great in this role, playing a sort of father figure for Moonee and the children around the projects. He's a good man who wants the best for his hotel and those in it. The problem for me is that I felt like I didn't see anything absolutely outstanding out him. For all of the praise he has been receiving for this role, I think only one person deserved to get award recognition for their role.
It shouldn't be a question that that characters is Brooklynn Pierce's Moonee. A young girl in a world that she doesn't belong, she's trying to make the best of her days. The reason I wanted to talk about her separately is because this really is her story and themes follow through her character. Moonee didn't choose a life in the projects of Florida, she simply is left to deal with. I cared for this young girl like a sibling, saddened by her situation and hopeful that better days were coming even though she didn't know the days were bad. It's heartwrenching and heartwarming seeing Moonee find ways to enjoy the days and make the most of her world. Her relationship with Bobby is great, and the chemistry that Halley and Moonee have is excellent as well. Moonee is living her best life, and it taps into that theme of childhood joy. Even when we are living in the worst scenarios, as children we find a way to be happy.
It's tough to explain just how great of a movie The Florida Project becomes. When you're just starting this movie you may be questioning why people believe this is such a good movie. It's perfectly normal because films of this style aren't built on a story crafted for critical moments, its meant to be a slow burn and a story that makes you feel and think in ways you usually don't. In the end, The Florida Project broke my heart with its characters and story, and shined a light on a world not many people think about in their daily lives. Next time you pass by a bad part of town, or see a child struggling, remember they didn't choose that world and help however you can. The Florida Project made me look at the world around me differently, and that's what makes it just so great.
