Beasts of the Southern Wild: A Fairytale for the Ages

TV & DVD

Beasts of the Southern Wild

- 19/02/2013

Beasts of the Southern Wild: A Fairytale for the Ages

Dwight HenryLevy Easterly...
DramaFantasy
Out now
Benh Zeitlin

reviewed by

Marija Loncarevic

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Beasts of the Southern Wild: A Fairytale for the Ages

Loosely adapted from a stage play, Beasts of the Southern Wild marks a collective debut for writer-director Benh Zeitlin and co-writer Lucy Alibar. The result of the combined the efforts of a relatively inexperienced crew and a group of amateur actors – including a Louisiana-born baker – is unexpected, pure and most of all, a remarkable work of art.

Beasts of the Southern Wild is a magically lifelike fable about poverty, bravery and, above all, tough love. It’s a film of its own kind and is without a doubt nothing like we’ve ever seen before.

Set in the future and situated around a deprived coastal area in Louisiana – which the locals proudly refer to as ‘the Bathtub’ – the story of Beasts is told through the eyes of six-year old girl, Hushpuppy (Wallis).

‘The Bathtub’ is not a pleasant place; the land is scattered with pigs, dogs and chickens and with her mother long gone, Hushpuppy has been left in the hands of her drunken, ailing father, Wink (Henry). The two don’t share a home; they live in separate, makeshift abodes made of tin, cardboard and plastic.

Captivated by all the nature around her, Hushpuppy believes that everything in the universe is interconnected and that everyone, no matter how small, plays a part in the bigger picture. While her father is busy drinking his sorrows away, Hushpuppy is left to fend for herself.

Before long, a major storm threatens the area and its locals, but instead of running for the hills, most of them – including Wink and Hushpuppy – stay behind and fight the storm.

What unfolds is a journey of survival and penetrating paternal love, and as her father sinks deeper into his sickness, Hushpuppy is left to fight-off prehistoric aurochs – ancient beasts from the Ice Age – which are slowly closing in on her community.

Everything about Beasts of the Southern Wild is sublime. Therefore, it’s no surprise that it has been picking up awards left and right, while it continues to be a commanding presence at this year’s film festivals.

Beasts of the Southern Wild doesn’t hold back one bit; it’s in-your-face, ragged reality is relentless and the story is outstandingly authentic. Fantastical and unburdened by the pressure and requirements of average plot lines, Beasts is quite happy humming to its own tune.

However, the film’s secret weapon lies in the hands of its leading lady. Exuding toughness and mind-boggling sincerity, little Miss Wallis is resounding. Her lack of experience poses no problem for the talented youngster; she is raw, captivating and manages to bring amazing intensity and personality to the role.

Henry is equally commendable; he too has no previous experience in front of the camera and yet still manages to deliver a ferocious performance filled with immense sincerity.

Emotionally honest and at times extremely uncomfortable, Beasts of the Southern Wild is an unassuming film with a powerful message.

Like This? Try

Where the Wild Things Are (2009), Into the Wild (2007), Lawn Dogs (1997)

360 Tip

According to director Benh Zeitlin, Quevenzhane Wallis beat almost 4,000 other kids to the lead role. At the age of nine, Quevenzhane also happens to be the youngest person ever to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.