Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)

User Review

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  buffed_film_buff

  9 / 10

  This was not the movie I was expecting to see, at all. For some reason I had the idea that it had way more of a Jungle Book, child stranded alone type vibe, but anyway, to the point. Beasts of the Southern Wild, not to be confused with Beasts of No Nation, is the story of Hushpuppy, a 6 year old girl who lives with her father on a remote little delta community off of presumably New Orleans or other. When her father starts to become ill and rising waters threaten her and the rest of the small village-like-community, determined and resilient Hushpuppy attempts to work with the other survivors to keep hope alive. Along with this realistic scenario theres a fantastical element in which there are great beasts that roamed the earth back in the days of cavemen, that begin to melt and appear after an ice cap melts. Hushpuppy must try to save her father, look out for her friends, and maybe even find her long lost mother in these trying times. Those of you that have seen this movie know there's a lot more to it than that, but I'm trying to keep from spoiling like I do in a lot of other reviews. There were moments in this movie that came close to brilliant, in all honesty. The cinematography was stunning throughout most of the movie, which really made some scenes feel all the more powerful. Hushpuppy was played incredibly beyond her years by Quvenzhane Wallis (yes, this is the girl who broke the record for youngest to ever be nominated for an academy award) and her performance is the glue that holds this movie together. I usually think narration is tacky, but it was necessary in this film to portray the thoughts going through our young protaganist's mind, and without it I think I would feel very alien. Although humble in scope, Beasts provides a really magical atmosphere full of optimism without ever being silly or drifting from the major themes. I have to say that at about 1/3 the way through it becomes just the tiniest bit slow, but I think the ending makes up for all of this. The tough choices that Hushpuppy has to make really can resonate with the audience, although she be but 6 years old. All in all this is a really moving film that creates for a great cinematic experience.

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