‘The Florida Project: Limited Edition’ 4K/Blu-ray Review
Stars: Willem Dafoe, Brooklynn Prince, Bria Vinaite, Valeria Cotto, Christopher Rivera, Caleb Landry Jones, Macon Blair | Written by Sean Baker, Chris Bergoch | Directed by Sean Baker
After shooting 2015’s phenomenal Tangerine on an iPhone, the word on people’s lips was what Sean Baker’s next cinematic feature would be. The result, The Florida Project, is set over the course of one summer, following Moonee (Brooklynn Prince), a young girl who lives at Magic Castle, an extended stay motel run by Bobby (Willem Dafoe). During her days, she goes on adventures with friends, getting up to mischief, while unaware of life’s realities, as her mother, Halley (Bria Vinaite), struggles to make ends meet.
Sean Baker does wonderful work in capturing the innocence of youth, as the proceedings are guided from a child’s point of view. She explores run-down structures with her friends, treating them as some of the most fascinating places in the world. She holds onto the wonderful memories and moments shared with those she loves, unable to grasp the tragic realities or consequences of it all. The darker elements are evident throughout and sit alongside Moonee’s perspective rather comfortably.
Powering The Florida Project are the stunning performances, from talents new to cinema and well-known veterans. Brooklynn Prince is an exceptional young talent, perfectly capturing the happiness and innocence of Moonee, while blissfully unaware of the unfortunate realities of her and her mother’s lives. Bria Vinaite puts a tremendous performance into Hallee, capturing her rebellious and carefree attitude, unaware of the effect it has on her daughter. She does recognise where she’s done wrong, and wants to do right by her daughter. Unfortunately, she falls into her bad-tempered attitude by default. Willem Dafoe excels as Bobby, the motel owner who wants to help wherever possible, but finds it difficult with Halley.
All throughout the picture are elements relating to Disney, which is characterised as a magical place full of hopes and dreams. A place which is close and within view, but remains out of reach to the residents of the motels. While selling perfumes outside a country club, Halley and Moonee walk past a Seven Dwarves sign, while a couple arrive at the motel, wrongly believing it to be the Magic Kingdom hotel at Disney. This element is prevalent all throughout, from the film’s title (an early name for Walt Disney World) to late in the film, depicting what can be described as a hopeful escape.
Special Features:
- Dual format three-disc edition including one UHD and two Blu-rays with main feature and bonus features on both formats
- Over 4.5 hours of new bonus material
- New 4K master produced and approved by Director Sean Baker
- UHD presented in Dolby Vision HDR
- New audio commentary with Sean Baker, co-writer Chris Bergoch and director of photography Alexis Zabé
- New audio commentary by Kat Ellinger and Martyn Conterio
- Success Story: a new interview with Sean Baker
- Playing Within the Frame: a new interview with actor Willem Dafoe
- A Transformative Experience: a new interview with actor Bria Vinaite
- The Kids: a new interview with actors Brooklynn Kimberly Prince, Valeria Cotto and Christopher Rivera
- Origin Story: a new interview with actor Brooklynn Kimberly Prince
- True Friendship: a new interview with actor Valeria Cotto
- Overusing Freedom: a new interview with actor Christopher Rivera
- Embrace the Chaos: a new interview with co-writer Chris Bergoch
- Clearing the Brush: a new interview with producer Andrew Duncan
- A Different Way of Shooting: a new interview with producers Kevin Chinoy and Francesca Silvestri
- A Sense of Imagination: a new interview with associate producer Samantha Quan
- Hotel to Home: a new interview with executive director of Community Hope Centre Rev. Mary Downey
- Streets of 192: a new interview with casting coordinator Patti Wiley
- Back to the Castle: On location with Brooklynn Kimberly Prince, Valeria Cotto and Christopher Rivera
- Wretched Splendour: Rohan Spong on The Florida Project
- Under the Rainbow – Making The Florida Project
- Archive Cast & Crew Interviews
- Bloopers & Outtakes
Limited Edition Contents:
- Rigid slipcase with new artwork by Michael Dunbabin
- 160-page hardback book with new essays by Tim Coleman, Martyn Conterio, Elena Lazic, Hannah McGill, Dawn Stronski and Nadine Witney plus on-set photo gallery
With The Florida Project, Sean Baker makes himself known as one of the most interesting voices currently working in cinema. A beautifully shot and phenomenally acted piece of cinema, which deftly balances childlike innocence with the darker realities of life.
***** 5/5
The Florida Project is out now on Blu-ray Limited Edition from Second Sight.
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