Bathtub is located in the southern Louisiana bayou, cut off from the world by a levee. They know one day the town will be washed away, but they celebrate each day. Hushpuppy (Wallis), an imaginative little girl, who sees the magic in life. She misses her mother and depends on her alcoholic father, Wink (Henry). One day a storm approaches and most people flee the Bathtub, but Wink and Hushpuppy stay. As the storm rages outside their home, Wink puts floatees on her arms and orders her to be brave. He even races outside with a shotgun to "scare away the storm" and her fears.
The next morning, the town is flooded and only a handful of people survived. As the survivors band together, Wink sets out to make Hushpuppy strong. He teaches her to fish and fight, while she dreams of prehistoric creatures called Aurochs and calls for her mother. When the levee breaks, will life every be the same?
I subscribe to Entertainment Weekly magazine, and check their website during my lunch breaks. I tend to know what big movies are in the works and the little known films that are worth looking into. I first heard about this film through EW, and over time began to hear about it more and more with awards buzz. I also saw a trailer for the film and was intrigued.
The majority of characters in the film are not professional actors, they are locals that the filmmakers found. Quvenzhane Wallis is a breath of fresh air. A precious little girl with a strong presence. She is a powerful lead and commands your attention.
The story is interesting, and makes you believe it is a child's version of her world. The audience still sees and comprehends things that Hushpuppy does not. The story is unique, it won't appeal to everyone, but it is worth checking out.
Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) 93 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for thematic material including child imperilment, some disturbing images, language and brief sensuality.
Director: Benh Zeitlin
Starring: Quvenzhane Wallis as Hushpuppy
Dwight Henry as Wink
Levy Easterly as Jean Battiste
Lowell Landes as Walrus
Pamela Harper as Little Jo
Gina Montana as Miss Bathsheba
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