An independent film that burst on the scene, Beasts of the Southern Wild is a harrowing depiction of life in an impoverished, deep southern community. It focuses on how an isolated town responds to a disaster and, in particular, one little girl who sees the world through a prism. A little gem of a film, it boasts superior performances by an amateur cast.
In the Bayou country (and narrated from her point of view), a rebellious, young girl named Hushpuppy (Quvenzhané Wallis), has a very personalized vision of life in her world where there is a natural order of humans and wild, prehistoric beasts who rule the land. Abandoned by her mother, her angry and sometime abusive father, Wink (Dwight Henry), is the only family who is there to care for her. When not drinking to excess, he encourages her to hone her survival skills in the wild. The two share an extremely poor existence living in rundown shacks and sharing camaraderie with other locals. As a prophesied, destructive flood uproots everyone’s lives, she must learn to survive and grow up fast. When personal tragedy strikes, she must come to terms with her family and her place in the world.
Shooting on location in the rural south has a colorful flavor and adds to the film’s realism. Using amateurs in the key roles makes the film authentic, and Wallis is the revelation here. In a role that would be challenging for a teenager, she shines, and never once do you think that this is a performance by an actor. Henry interacts wonderfully with her as the troubled father, and his was perhaps an overlooked, award worthy role.
It shows how a way of life can be changed forever when disaster strikes and how people respond to the major changes in their lives. The tight knit community has character and a closeness that transcends natural disasters and personal loss. They come together to help one another. Although Wink is stern and an alcoholic, he still teaches Hushpuppy the lessons in life and the art of survival in the wild. His rage and health problems are belied by the love for his daughter. Perhaps that’s the only way he can show her his love until the bittersweet end.
There is a surreal sequence where Hushpuppy and her friends make a trek to a distant bar where they meet a gregarious collection of seafarers, barflies and hookers. It is there she is befriended by a woman who cooks her a meal. Could this be her mother? The final scene between Hushpuppy and Wink is a touching moment of truth that distills all that has transpired before and reinforces their relationship. Despite all the hardships and conflict, there is ultimately the love of a father and daughter.
With mythical and allegorical overtones, this is a spiritual film that must be experienced to appreciate its unique take on a slice of the world as seen through the eyes of a girl whose fascination with how the universe works and her desire to leave her mark on the world is only exceeded by her love for her father and ‘family’.
*** of **** stars
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