The Florida Project

— I went to see the film more because I like those Florida colors (stunning violets, bright oranges, Pepto-Bismol pinks, oversaturated blues) instead of those wimpy big city grays and blacks. What I got was all that and much more. I’m not keen on wild kids, spoiled kids, neglected kids, or loud kids, but the kids in this film, often left to wander the environs around their Orlando motel home, have warm souls and a good deal of resourcefulness. The film seems a little long, but it’s made up of scenes in the lives of people living in the cycle of poverty and having few options. They’re treading as fast as they can and making the most of not much. I was won over watching daily events centered around a fairly normal child who doesn’t seem to understand how unsolid her mother’s footing is, managing to embrace what’s available. I’m not sure I appreciated the ending, but getting there was definitely worthwhile. Willem Dafoe is incredible in his supporting role.

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[2017. 111 min. Directed by Sean Baker. Starring Brooklynn Prince Bria Vinaite, Willem Dafoe, and Valeria Cotto.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-florida-project-2017