This Malick-inspired response to Hurricane Katrina, about a six-year-old bayou-dweller and her father, has ambition and poetry to burn. (Peter Bradshaw for The Guardian – 4 out of 5 stars)
Although Peter Bradshaw’s words on Beasts Of The Southern Wild are
completely true, I could not help but feel a little divided. My expectations
were quite high due to the amazing reviews and awards this film has received (4
awards at Cannes, for example) and, as you know, high expectations are hardly
ever matched.
Hushpuppy is an incredible character, a little child that goes from the
most charming smile to an expression so fierce it can bring ancient beasts to a
halt. Quvenzhané Wallis performance seems so passionate and effortless that it
will grab your attention from the first time you put your eyes on her.
In my humble opinion Beasts Of The Southern Wild is one of those cases
of giving out too soon. The beginning is too promising for what comes next and
Hushpuppy’s lyrical mind is not enough to make up for the lack of impact.
Despite these flaws it is still a good film that will give you plenty of
images and beautiful thoughts to recall when life lacks poetry.
Of course there is a lot more to be said about Beasts Of The
Southern Wild but I am a nobody so I am going to let you watch the film and
make up your mind.
