Before 'Anora', Sean Baker Made This 96%-Rated Indie Masterpiece Starring Willem Dafoe
It became a touchstone for A24, a studio that went on to release other profound dramas that eschew Hollywood polish in favor of the warm, distinctive spirit of indie cinema.
In 2017, the Cannes Film Festival hosted the premiere of The Florida Project, a drama by Sean Baker that became one of A24's most touching works.
Baker, a humanist filmmaker, crafted a story in which lyricism intertwines with absurdity and despair with hope. Here's why The Florida Project deserves your attention.
What Is 'The Florida Project' About?
The story centers on Moonee, a six-year-old girl who is both unruly and charming. She lives with her mother, Halley, in a motel in Kissimmee, Florida, not far from Disney World.
While Halley struggles to make ends meet, Moonee is left to her own devices all day long: she roams the neighborhood with local kids, getting into mischief and acting rudely toward those around her.
However, the motel manager, Bobby, treats his guests with patience and compassion. The film portrays everyday life through a child's eyes – the camera is almost constantly positioned at Moonee's eye level and follows the children's mischievous antics.
The Heart & Soul of the Film Is the Sincere Duo of Brooklynn Prince and Willem Dafoe
The greatest strength of The Florida Project lies in the brilliant performances of Brooklynn Prince and Willem Dafoe. Prince, who had no professional training, became the heart of the movie – her childlike spontaneity infused it with optimism, preventing the film from devolving into a drab, depressing drama.
The casting director discovered Prince by chance – during their meeting, she quickly won over the director with her openness and ability to connect with others.
Dafoe earned an Oscar nomination for his role as Bobby, a stern yet caring motel manager who strives to shield the children from the harshness of the adult world. Together, Prince and Dafoe create a unique dynamic in which sadness and joy intertwine in every frame.
'The Florida Project' Is a Blend of Social Realism and the Poetry of Everyday Life
The Florida Project depicts a harsh reality, but it does so with immense love for its characters. Filmed just six miles from Disneyland, the film captures not only the souvenir shops and motels, but also their actual residents.
The lack of professional training among many of the actors lends the movie a documentary-like authenticity. Sidestepping the oppressive social backdrop, Baker strips away the misery and burden of an unhappy childhood – for Moonee, the local attractions are just as good as those in the theme park.
However, as with any fairy tale, the girl's sixth summer must eventually come to an end.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Florida Project'?
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The Florida Project has 96% from critics and 81% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.6/10.
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On Letterboxd, The Florida Project scored 4.1/5.0.
Where to Watch 'The Florida Project'?
The Florida Project is available to stream on HBO Max.
