Review of Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) by Jeffrey M — 18 Mar 2013

Of all the descriptions used for Beasts of the Southern Wild, the most common and true would be that of "poetry on screen". The film, from it's stylized elements including the script, acting, cinematography, and direction, feels like a poem. It has a narrative, to be sure, but an unconventional one, not concerned with story so much as message. At that same time, it stays anchored in a literal world. As such, it avoids the trap of being overly self indulgent and indie, while also being quite distinguished and uniquely realized.

The acting is perhaps the most impressive thing about the film, with a powerhouse performance from the young Quvenzhane Wallis, who has an amazing screen presence and expressive posture that anchors the film throughout, with incredibly impacting scenes toward the third act. She is complimented well, though on a different, more grounded level, by the remaining cast, making for very interesting dynamics, especially with her father.

The script is smart with its use of narration, sparse dialogue, and scene set up. It feels coherent but not contrived, poetic, but not lost in its own message. It is clear in what it wants to say, conveying feelings of mystery, love, and tragedy, and to excellent effect.

Memorable, executed greatly, and visually stunning, it's one of 2012's more interesting films.

4/5 Stars.