“The Florida Project,” a 2017 film directed by Sean Baker, is a drama that delves into the lives of those on the fringes of society, exploring the joys and struggles of childhood innocence amidst the harsh realities of poverty. Set in the outskirts of Orlando, Florida, the film follows the adventures of six-year-old Moonee and her young friends as they navigate the summer months living in a rundown motel called “The Magic Castle.”
The film beautifully captures the vibrant, colorful world of childhood, juxtaposing it with the harshness of their surroundings. Moonee, played by a young and talented Brooklynn Prince, is a spirited and imaginative girl who finds joy in the simplest of things. Alongside her is her rebellious and street-smart best friend, Jancey, portrayed by Valeria Cotto.
Willem Dafoe delivers a captivating performance as Bobby, the motel’s caring and compassionate manager. Bobby acts as a surrogate father figure to the children, doing his best to maintain order and protect them from the darker realities of the adult world. He faces the daily challenges of dealing with the motel’s struggling residents, including Moonee’s mother, Halley, a fiercely independent and troubled young woman portrayed by Bria Vinaite.
As the summer unfolds, the film explores the resilience and imagination of childhood in the face of adversity.
Moonee and her friends embark on mischievous adventures, exploring the world around them and finding moments of sheer joy, despite the bleakness of their circumstances. However, as Halley’s precarious situation becomes more desperate, their fragile existence hangs in the balance, testing the limits of their resilience and Bobby’s resolve to protect them.
Available to watch on Amazon Prime and Hulu.
The Other Cinema 