The Florida Project

Sean Baker had a mission to deliver a story of child ingenuity, wonder and authenticity. Whilst at the same time exploring the cold reality of disguised poverty, and how it may taint a child’s fantasy and natural awe of the world around them. And he delivered one of the most gut punching stories of them all, whilst being a cinematic marvel the whole time. The shot where Bobby was being congratulated by everyone for getting the electricity up again is ethereal, although it feels it shouldn’t. On the surface, it is a vibrant and colourful palette, with themes so dark that contrast it, yet the children’s aura seems to seep its way through.  Willem Dafoe was incredible, Moonees actor showed one of the best child performances I have ever seen and Halleys actor was so heartbreaking and broken.  This is one of my favourite movies I’ve seen in a while, even if the ending was ever so close to reducing me to tears.