Comic book movies are suffocating the market with repetitive cadence and plot lines. When you decide you are done watching the 10th reboot, sequel, or whatever, Beasts of Southern Wild could be a nice change of pace.
Beasts tells the story of the spunky six-year-old Hushpuppy living in “the Bathtub” a delta found in Louisiana. The film grapples Hushpuppy’s complex rearing through the ferocity of her father Wink, anxiety of a post Hurricane Katrina Bathtub, and queries of existence.
As Benh’s debut film, we see a lot of promise in his fledgling career. The film is kinetic and full of life, but at the same time moist and heavy. His camera captures both flashes of Mallick and Pan’s Labyrinth. We feel the humidity of the bayou, smell the pungent aroma of wet animals, and the fury of the hurricane. With such a visceral and unrelenting home, Benh still balances the vibrancy of life with a decaying community.
Quvenzhané Wallis as Hushpuppy gives an absolutely astonishing performance as the fiery Hushpuppy and may be the frontrunner for an Oscar. Her performance and narration gives the film both a heart of innocence and an inquisitive existential lens. Wink played by Dwight Henry (a baker local to Louisiana) is absolute dynamite breathing a fire into the film fueled by alcohol and fatherly devotion.
That said, the film it not for everyone. The camera work is very shaky. Although it grounds the film in staunch realism, it can also give you more vertigo than Jimmy Stewart. The film can be hard to watch and mentally demanding, but it is the bravest and boldest piece of cinema made this year. Those willing to challenge themselves will will reap Beast’s rich rewards, which it sure is bountiful in.
Pulp Diction 