Review: Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)

★★★★☆

Director: Benh Zeitlin

Starring: Quvenzhané Wallis, Dwight Henry, Gina Montana, Levy Easterly

❝ I SEE THAT I AM A LITTLE PIECE OF A BIG, BIG UNIVERSE, AND THAT MAKES IT RIGHT. ❞

Synopsis: A young girl named Hushpuppy's (Quvenzhané Wallis) relationship with her father, Wink (Dwight Henry), is strained and put to the test when the icecaps begin to melt, threatening their small community named the Bathtub. Hushpuppy begins a journey of learning how to be self reliant and courageous in this chaotic and unpredictable world that she lives in.

Very rarely do we get to see a film with such spirit and originality, that when one does come along, it's voice isn't heard. Often, films such as Beasts of the Southern Wild, remain shrouded in mystery and tucked away in a small part of the film world that not many people care to venture to. That's why Beasts of the Southern Wild being nominated for Best Picture at an awards show such as the Academy Awards is a surprising but much needed signal boost. Enchanting, mesmerising and heartbreaking, the film explores a father and daughter's relationship strained by the absence of a mother and the oncoming flood set to destroy their homeland. Quvenzhané Wallis' Best Actress nomination might baffle many, due to her young age, but once you see this performance her nomination is justified. At nine years old, this youngster demonstrates an understanding of her character, her circumstances and her innermost desires playing her with a furious stubbornness that charms you scene after scene. The metaphorical symbolism for Hushpuppy's fears and strength also make this film one of a kind. Though still rough in some places (in particular for me, I found the handheld camera a little bit too much at times) this can easily be forgiven as the film delivers a beautifully crafted story of a community and young girl's spirit that cannot be broken. Do yourself a favour and see this.