Review: Sean Baker’s ‘The Florida Project’ is a Raw and Oddly Heartwarming Tale of Childhood Amidst Adult Problems

Known for directing films like “Tangerine” and “Red Rocket,” director Sean Baker brings an intimate portrayal of childhood to the big screen with “The Florida Project.” With a cast full of first-timers, real residents of the Magic Castle Inn (where much of the film takes place), and one critically acclaimed actor, this is a film that radiates a sense of authenticity that seems increasingly rare. Baker brings audiences a film that eloquently mixes the blissful unawareness of childhood and the hard problems of adult life.

Taking place in Kissimmee, Florida, “The Florida Project” follows a bubbly six-year-old called Moonee (Brooklynn Prince), who lives with her mother Halley (Bria Vinaite) in the fictional Magic Castle Motel. Moonee spends her days out playing with her friends and causing mischief with a sassy attitude passed down from her mother. One of the individuals who puts up with the ragtag group of kids is the motel’s manager Bobby (Willem Dafoe) who shares a unique, almost fatherly bond with Moonee and her mother, letting them live at the motel with a nifty loophole in the rules. As Halley struggles to find stable work, she resorts to increasingly risky tactics to support herself and her daughter. The consequences of her actions soon catch up with her, threatening Moonee’s carefree childhood.

The Standout of the Film is Child Actress Brooklynn Kimberly Prince

For someone with no prior acting experience, Bria Vinaite delivers a marvellous and volatile performance as Halley that emanates a unique sense of rawness and genuity. Prolific actor Willem Dafoe gives an engaging and nuanced performance that draws you right in to every scene he’s in. Dafoe and Vinaite’s characters share a unique father-daughter bond that the film builds on the foundation of two mesmerising performances.

However, the standout of the film—despite only being six at the time the film was shot—is Brooklynn Kimberly Prince. The young actress gives an outstanding performance that is elevated by the way it doesn’t feel uncomfortable or forced, like some child performances can be. It instead feels as though you’re quite literally watching a child hanging out with her friends and living her life as carefree as possible. Baker’s ability to focus on the characters and their circumstances elevates each and every performance in the film. It allows you, the viewer, to focus on and invest yourself within these complex characters

“The Florida Project” is a film that manages to capture the stark contrast between the children and adults, and the problems they both face. Moonee and her friends are worrying about which stranger will give them money for ice cream and if their friends can come out to play, but Halley is worrying where next week’s rent is coming from and how she’s going to support herself and her child.

Odd Ending Cinematography, but Otherwise One of 2017’s Best

The film paints a unique picture of poverty for its viewers, showing the harsh reality through the eyes of a child, unconcerned with the struggles around them and simply going about their lives playing with friends and taking part in mischievous nonsense. Cinematographer Alexis Zabe uses natural light and the colourful pre-existing locations to his advantage, crafting delectable cinematography that is a feast for the eyes. These vibrant visuals serve to emphasise the fact that the film presents its narrative through the lens of a child’s view of the world.

“The Florida Project” is a charming, tender film about childhood in a world of adult problems, and that’s what Baker sticks to for much of the film, except for the ending. The film switches to handheld, home video-style look and is shot on an iPhone 6s, a style that is reminiscent of Baker’s 2015 film “Tangerine,” that was shot entirely on three iPhone 5Ss. Not only is the camerawork for the final scene a jarring switch for viewers (and takes them out of Baker’s brilliantly constructed narrative), but the contents of it is also entirely random and doesn’t feel like it closes the film. However, barring the final scene “The Florida Project” is a unique, raw, and an oddly heartwarming (considering the subject matter) portrayal of poverty, childhood, and friendship. Elevated by mesmerising performances and striking cinematography, Sean Baker’s award-winning film is easily one of 2017’s best.