Beasts of the Southern Wild – ★★★★

With awards season almost upon us, the race has officially begin with several contenders set to be released to the viewing public and critics over the next few months. Whilst this year has been mostly focused on blockbusters, I have finally had the chance to review a charming independent film called Beasts of the Southern Wild which might end up being the small film that could when the Oscars come round. Following its success at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, first-time director Benh Zeitlin shows strong potential as a rising film-maker whilst also relying heavily on a talented young actress and her older and  inexperienced co-star to form one of 2012’s little gems….

Set in a small island just off Louisiana, youngster Hushpuppy (Wallis) lives with her father Wink (Henry) in a depraved community called ‘The Bathtub’ which the duo live in along with several neighbours. Despite their run-down surroundings, they spend their days enjoying themselves (drinking to be precise!) but resist the urge to leave their homes even when threatened by dangerous weather. But when a terrible storm hits the island, Hushpuppy and her father manage to survive along with their friends as they attempt to try and find food and water to recover even in their unfortunate circumstances. But with Wink starting to fall ill, Hushpuppy prepares to come of age as she begins to use her imagination to try and piece together her understanding of the world through the lessons of life.

It is easy to see why this film has been critically lauded and while it’s unlikely to catch of the eye of vast audiences, it makes an impression on those who do see it despite its bleak storytelling which is carefully adapted from the stage play. Zeitlin’s first effort in film-making is well constructed as he tells us a story of a community and shows how badly affected it is by a mass storm. The Hurricane Katrina reference adds to the documentary feel of the film especially when it looks like a real life event which is beautifully captured on camera by Ben Richardson. The cinematographer presents a unique look at Hushpuppy’s torrid environment which includes dirty water and badly constructed homes, leaving you somewhat appalled at the place she lives in even within the first few minutes of the film. However the sense of wonder in these circumstances comes from the youngster whose bubbly narrative allows us to see and hear her own point of view whenever she talks or appears on screen. Whilst a lot of people wouldn’t approve of her surroundings, we learn to accept it as she appreciates the life she has while wanting to find a place in her own surreal world. This is performed wonderfully by young Quvenzhane Wallis’s debut role as she portrays Hushpuppy as a resilient and forceful child determined to embark on a path of discovery and curiosity. Even when providing her voice for the narration, you can tell she shows confidence and maturity despite the pressure of carrying the film. One can only hope that her age won’t prevent her from making history in becoming the youngest woman to be nominated for the Best Actress Oscar. Just as brilliant is fellow newcomer Dwight Henry who proves truly convincing as Hushpuppy’s aggressive but ill father Wink with the irony being that Henry is actually a baker from New Orleans who needed to make a living. His complex portrayal of a confused and suffering father is a marvelling sight for an actor starring in his first film as he is able to convey powerful emotions depending on his situation. Seeing him and Wallis share the screen and convince so realistically as father and daughter is a sight to behold. None of the other characters have as much focus but the union of the unknown actors does allow them to show togetherness as a vibrant community as they rally around one another despite their troubles.

Through Hushpuppy’s mind, the film does take a strange direction when she talks about the aurochs, a group of savage beasts with prehistoric significance who really look like tusked boars. Their presence in the film is supposed to represent Hushpuppy’s fear and her way of overcoming it but the stand-off between her and the carnivores in the film’s climax lacks real importance even if it is supposed to be her fantasy reality. Additionally the camera work is a bit too shaky at times despite the glorious cinematography and this can put a few people off when trying to watch the film. But again it can be interpreted as being Hushpuppy’s vision which is something to expect when a film focuses on a child’s point of view.

VERDICT: Benh Zeitlin’s provocative debut film is a lesson on life which shows us a reality disconnected from the real world with newcomers Wallis and Henry overcoming the challenge and giving exceptional performances. They are gonna know this film delivers!

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