I've really enjoyed every single Sean Baker film I've seen and The Florida Project is no exception.
Set in Florida, the film takes place in the slums around Disney World where the cheap motels shelter families who can scrape up just enough cash to not be homeless. One of these families is Moonee and her young mother Halley who, despite barely having enough cash to live week to week, are both filled with a laissez-faire and joie de vivre that is infectious.
The film centres around one summer in the life of this family. While we don't get much backstory what we do get is a compelling look at Moonee, her mother, and the community they have surrounded themselves with all struggling to keep their heads above water but still willing to share and laugh and fight with one another. One of the most remarkable things is that once again Baker is dipping into the world of people on the lower end of the socio-economic spectrum and yet he manages not to be condescending or use them as some sort of inspirational poverty porn.
The film luxuriates in the garrish bright colours of the world its set in. Acting is top-notch from everyone, especially newcomer Bria Vinaite who plays Moonee's mother and delivers a knock out performance.
Set in Florida, the film takes place in the slums around Disney World where the cheap motels shelter families who can scrape up just enough cash to not be homeless. One of these families is Moonee and her young mother Halley who, despite barely having enough cash to live week to week, are both filled with a laissez-faire and joie de vivre that is infectious.
The film centres around one summer in the life of this family. While we don't get much backstory what we do get is a compelling look at Moonee, her mother, and the community they have surrounded themselves with all struggling to keep their heads above water but still willing to share and laugh and fight with one another. One of the most remarkable things is that once again Baker is dipping into the world of people on the lower end of the socio-economic spectrum and yet he manages not to be condescending or use them as some sort of inspirational poverty porn.
The film luxuriates in the garrish bright colours of the world its set in. Acting is top-notch from everyone, especially newcomer Bria Vinaite who plays Moonee's mother and delivers a knock out performance.