The Florida Project

The Florida Project, directed by Sean Baker, is a raw and deeply human portrait of childhood poverty and its side effects, beautifully shot on 35mm film. The movie depicts just one of many realities that poverty can impose on children.

In this story, a single mother, Halley (played by Bria Vinaite), struggles to make ends meet by any means necessary, often through unethical “business ventures”—and I use that term sarcastically. Despite her instability and poor decisions, Halley shows love for her daughter Monee (played by Brooklynn Prince) in the only ways she knows how, as a young and unprepared mother surviving in the underbelly of America.

The film does an exceptional job of unfolding its story through multiple perspectives, immersing the audience in both the innocence of childhood and the harsh realities of adult life. The entire cast delivers strong performances, but Prince’s portrayal of Monee stands out in particular. It is the most remarkable performance I have ever seen from a six-year-old, completely captivating the viewer from beginning to end.

The controversial ending may leave some viewers unsatisfied, but I found myself fighting back tears, almost using the sudden shift as a way to numb the emotional weight of what had unfolded.

This film is an absolute must-watch and, by far, my favorite work featured on The Unreliable Critic. It will forever hold a special place here.

9.8/10

2017 Directed by Sean Baker