The Florida Project (2017)
This is a film on contrasts. A social realist drama on poverty shot in the beautiful Floridian sunshine. Everything looks bright, colorful and cheerful. The depiction of childhood isn’t so easy to label as poor upbringing. It is pretty clear that this motel environment isn’t exactly ideal, but the kids seem genuinely happy, full of life, a strong independent spirit and good friendships. The kids are also super annoying, ill-behaved egoistical brats and the parents even worse. But all loveable and while Haley is doing countless things wrong as a mother, it is easy to root for her and it shows her heart is in the right place when it comes to trying to do the best she can for her daughter.
What I like about this compared to other social realist films on poverty, is that its depiction isn’t bleak misery porn with a pure intent on making sure every viewer knows how miserable they are. Again, full of contrast and conflicting circumstances. When it does somewhat bleak towards the end, that turn of events stands so much stronger in providing the full picture.
As for the final shot, I am still undecided whether it is brilliant or misplaced. Needless to say, the lack of resolution for this plotless “slice of life”-narrative is perfect for this film.
Rating: 5