In the cinematic universe, where prequels are an obvious follow-up to successful and beloved franchises, it was only a matter of time for a prequel to “The Hunger Games”—one of the most successful series of films to be released in the last ten years—to be announced. The book “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” was written by Suzanne Collins, who wrote the other books, and has been adapted for the screen by Director Francis Lawrence. He returns to direct the prequel, coming from directing three out of the four previous installments. It makes him the perfect element to bring back the nostalgia that the original films possessed.
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” invites us back to the brutal world of Panem, and the chillingly formative years of The Hunger Games and the cast of characters brought together to hold the games. The film has different themes from the originals, as this one poises as a harrowing, political thriller, showing the rise of Coriolanus Snow who turns into the sadistic mastermind who runs the games.
Tom Blyth a Charming—if Evil—Snow
The plot centers around the dark days before the tenth annual Hunger Games. The main character Snow—played but Tom Blyth—wants to be president of Panem; and with his cousin Tigris (played by Hunter Shafer) by his side, he has a very good chance. The Games are in peril because no one is watching and Gamemaker Dean Casca Highbottom (Peter Dinklage), wants to rescue the games. By doing that he gives all the twenty four top prospects a tribute, who they are to mold into a spectacle so people will watch the show.
Snow is given Lucy Gray (Rachel Zegler) who is in District 12 and considered a rebel after singing at her reaping ceremony. Gray and Snow become kindred spirits; she wants him to teach her how to survive in the games as she assumes she doesn’t stand a chance. Snow proposes some changes to the games, like getting closer to the tributes in order to revive their ratings. With his idea’s underway, he hopes audiences will see how Snow has molded Gray into a winning victor.
Darker and More Violent
Honor Gillies, Konstantin Taffet, and Rachel Zegler in “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” (Photo Credit: Murray Close).
“Songbirds & Snakes” takes a darker and more violent turn than the original, reminding fans how brutal these movies are, and into what awful circumstances these young people find themselves. The standout performance is from Blyth who portrays Snow. He appears so charming, you forget how he turned out in the original films, as a conniving narcissist who is pure evil no matter what. Another great addition is Zegler, in her first lead performance since her star-making debut in “West Side Story.” She once again showcases her remarkable singing voice. Her effortless acting abilities make you feel sorry for Gray, but also suspicious of her actions in the third act. Veteran actors such as Dinklage and Viola Davis are incredible in their supporting roles. They highlight how chilling and vindictive the early years of Panem were and how Snow became the evil he was as a result of his environment.
One of the most important elements of this film is the set and costume design, which transports fans back to the beloved world of Panem. The plot, however, is uneven; but it does offer a glimpse into the origin story of one of the most iconic characters in the original trilogy. Further, it has enough gripping and tension-building action scenes to keep audiences fully engrossed in the story.
Currently, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” is showing exclusively in theaters.
