The Florida Project
An exploration of life in low rent motels in Kissimmee FL just out side of Disney World through the eyes of kids. It details one summer as Moonee and her mom live in the garishly purple Magic Castle Motel. Her mom, Hailey spirals into more dangerous behavior while Moonee plays with her friends, exploring the tourist trap town. With no soundtrack or score, one feels like they are witnessing life unfolding in front of them.
It’s melancholic as it slides towards the inevitable bad ending that anyone who goes from employed to hustling, stealing and ultimately prostitution will face.
To me at least, there is no judgement in the camera’s eye - just a patient holding of space. It’s interesting how director Sean Baker can capture how spaces like hotels, built and ran to be warm and inviting, look and feel anything but to people on the fringes of society.
The ending is a jarring turn into fantasy (and hope) that left me totally satisfied.
Recommended