By Tyler Gibson

The Florida Project, directed by Sean Baker, is a poignant exploration of childhood and poverty set in the shadow of Walt Disney World. The film follows six-year-old Moonee, played by Brooklynn Prince, and her ragtag group of friends as they embark on a series of adventures during their summer break. Living in a budget motel called The Magic Castle, managed by the compassionate yet stern Bobby, portrayed by Willem Dafoe, Moonee and her mother, Halley, struggle to make ends meet.

Despite their dire circumstances, Moonee’s days are filled with joy and mischief. Her boundless imagination transforms the rundown surroundings into a playground of wonder, almost like a character in itself. This childlike sense of wonder adds a magical layer to the film, contrasting sharply with the harsh realities of poverty.

As Halley resorts to increasingly desperate measures to provide for her daughter, the precariousness of their situation becomes impossible to ignore. Bobby, in a gorgeous, realized, and fragile performance, acts as a guardian angel of sorts. His portrayal is filled with soul and tenderness, offering a humanist portrait of those affected by poverty while trying to maintain order.

The film culminates in a heartbreaking climax as social services intervene, threatening to separate Moonee from her mother. In a final act of defiance, Moonee and her friend Jancey embark on a spontaneous journey to the Magic Kingdom, symbolizing a fleeting escape from their harsh reality. This ending is risky, daring, and courageous, cementing itself as an ending for the ages.

The Florida Project is a masterful and heartbreaking motion picture, a vital film about poverty, and a humanist portrait of all those affected. The final few minutes are particularly stirring and unforgettable, filled with powerful imagery, visual symbolism, and the first-ever use of a musical score in the movie. Brooklynn Prince’s acting in these moments is exceptional, leaving a lasting impact. The film leaves your mind and emotions unpacked like a suitcase stuffed for a long, thrilling, and unpredictable adventure. The imagery, the visual symbolism, and the acting from Brooklynn Prince just stir and gut you, leaving you feeling as if a knife has been twisted in your heart. [A]