“Beasts of the Southern Wild” is a spellbinding image-driven narrative. The film challenges the notions of normalcy and celebrates one’s unwillingness to conform to society’s ideal and the traditional way of life. It highlights the nobleness of the human spirit.
Isolated from the rest of the world in deplorable conditions lies a fictional Louisiana Bayou, Bathtub. A troublesome hurricane Katrina-like calamity threatens to wipe out the small town of people of an already impoverished community. However, 6-year-old defiantly brave, relentless and imaginative Hushpuppy (Quvenzhane Wallis) is set on saving her ailing father Wink (Dwight Henry) and the people who are left after the storm in bedlam.
Hushpuppy is sassy, amicable, charismatic, high-spirited and the heroine. She is fearless due to the qualities that her father has instilled in her. Her gleaming eyes of curiosity are subject to love, hopelessness and despair. Through her eyes we see her world begin to unfold, “Everybody loses the thing that made them. The brave men stay and watch it happen. They don’t run.” Hushpuppy longs for her story to be heard and remembered, a legacy.
Wink is a loving and dedicated father who is also a terminally ill, impetuous drunk. He refuses to let his child indulge in fears and tears. Wink’s parenting style is unconventional and nurturing yet at times neglectful. He has raised his daughter as if she were a boy,
“Who’s the man?” he asks his daughter.
“I am” she replies while flexing her puny muscles.
This drama, fantasy is laced with childlike naivety. The film is infused with mystical forces and modern day environmental concerns. I am tempted to say that “Beasts of the Southern Wild” is a coming-of-age film although it can’t quite compare to others of the same genre. It is more than the development of a little girl but the unabated, unyielding gumption of the human race. As I watched this film lines from Maya Angelou’s poem, “And Still I Rise” echoed in my head. Thinking of Hushpuppy rising up despite her grueling circumstances.
Feature debut Director Benh Zeitlin drew inspiration from his co-writer Lucy Alibar, playwright “Juicy and Delicious.” Zeitlin’s film consists primarily of unprofessional actors. The director’s use of a hand-held camera and the musical soundtrack perfectly paired each scene of the film. It is no surprise that this film is the winner of the Camera d’Or at Cannes and the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance film festival.
This film is a staple for any collector of independent films, its raw talent and workmanship is one to be praised. “Beasts of the Southern Wild” has left me yearning more, a true inspiration.
4 responses so far ↓
Harlem Kat // Oct 9th 2012 at 12:19 am
WOW!! great review, I fell in love with the movie and haven’t even watched it. I always wanted to see it but for some reason always put it off and procrastinated. What theater is it playing in? and what do you think about the director not following the protocols so that the film could be nominated for a sag award. They say the film wasn’t registered which is what needs to be done in order to be nominated. Such a travesty that it can’t be, but I am looking forward to seeing it.
Vivian // Oct 9th 2012 at 8:05 pm
I loved how I knew, as a reader, what direction you were going to take for the rest of the review. Your first paragraph containing the sentence “It highlights the nobleness of the human spirit”, let me know that you appreciated the work the creators of this film had done. I am totally enamored by the protagonist of the film and love how you depicted Hushpuppy. Also, great reference to Maya Angelou’s poem.
ra125058 // Oct 10th 2012 at 4:40 pm
I agree with Vivian, it is a great comparison with Maya Angelou’s poem. It is certainly a good review. And about the film, I can go on and on. I not only love this film because of its human spirit and flawless acting, but highly appreciate Benh Zeitlin’s incredible work done. Quvenzhane Wallis as Hushpuppy done a remarkable acting and let the world to be prepared for her absolute talented future.
The film is playing in the Cinema Village and Lincoln Plaza Cinema theaters. I highly recommend to watch the movie to make your Indie experience richer.
KAYONNE JOHNSON // Oct 10th 2012 at 7:59 pm
Thank you all for your feedback. I truly appreciate it. To address your questions Harlem Kat, I watched this film at Lincoln Plaza Cinema. And according to my understanding of a few articles I’ve read concerning the film and the SAG awards, is the film simply didn’t meet their requirements. The actors in the film were not formally trained and the film didn’t meet the low-budget feature agreement (The New York Times). I’m not necessarily agreeing with the films prohibition from receiving an award but those are their terms, which were established before the film was made. Perhaps if the director knew he would have tried harder to comply with those terms but who’s to say that he didn’t know. He was on a budget and couldn’t exceed. The film is brilliant regardless of any praises given by an award.
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