By Kate Rodger
I suspect this very special little film will continue to present ongoing issues for film reviewers and viewers alike, as the task of trying to describe this unique, memorable, fresh and incredibly moving story seems almost insurmountable! There’s certainly no question the Beasts of the Southern Wild is a magical, visionary tale, and with an extraordinary performance from a six year old girl (Quvenzhané Wallis) anchoring it, this will easily be one of my watches of the festival.
Hushpuppy lives with her father in a small primitive Delta community, living off the land, and in tune with all her natural surroundings. A storm approaches, meteorologically, metaphorically, and emotionally, and Hushpuppy’s world is turned upside down.
The bond between her and her father, the bond between the often anarchic and almost filial friends and neighbours, and the bond they all have with their homeland joins them all in this heroic little tale, and it touched something very primal and very resonant inside this reviewers often impenetrably stone-cold heart. An unmissable festival watch which I certainly hope comes back on full releases.
Beasts of the Southern Wild
:: Director: Benh Zeitlin
:: Starring: Quvenzhané Wallis, Dwight Henry, Levy Easterly, Lowell Landes, Pamela Harper, Gina Montana, Amber Henry, Jonshel Alexander, Nicholas Clark, Henry D. Coleman
:: Running Time: 92 mins
:: Rating: M- violence, horror
:: More information: Click here
