Review of The Florida Project (2017) by Tor M — 08 Apr 2018

I missed out on Baker's "Tangerine", a film that caught some hype a couple of years back, but this latest effort of him looked promising. This film is about a small motel near Disney World. There are mostly tourists there, as I guess they fall for Bobby's purple tone of color on the walls. Bobby is the manager and tries his best to keep everyone satisfied. He is too kind though, as he keeps several guests there on long term deals. Guests that are anything near tourists, just struggling people that are left with few choices. Halley is Bobby's "favorite". She has a six year old daugher, Moonee, that always are up to mischief with other kids nearby. She has her mother's attitude and swear and use her mothers tricks to get what she want. Often free junkfood or money for some stuff she should not spend.

That's the plot. Thin but interesting. Gripping and far away from my reality. It has some solid performances, great shots. Some swell scenes and it looks great with some angled low perspectives. It's rather long but it grinds into my heart and it's a ride that are mainly from Moonee's hyperactive perspective. How limited she is in the ways of manner and stereotypes, but so rich in care and creativity. I feel sad for her, but I never really hate her mom even if she is no way near safe mom material.

Lighter moments, darker moments and a steady ride into a climax that sneaks up to you. Great film about accepting your situation without doing enough of changing it.

8.5 out of 10 burps.