Directed by: Sean Baker
Staring: Bria Vinaite, Willem Dafoe & Brooklynn Prince
Director Sean Baker’s film is a poignant depiction of generational poverty and life on the margins of American society and has been described as capturing the timeless, magical innocence of childhood. It is set in Orlando, Florida at a budget hotel named ‘The Magic Castle’ and leads us through the lives of 6 year old feral, mischievous Moonee and her equally rebellious young mother Halley during one summer. Whilst Moonee and her friends immerse themselves in the fantasy of childhood Halley faces the harshness of reality to provide for her daughter. This is a challenging, thought provoking film with outstanding and breakout performances from the cast. Its beautiful cinematography
and lack of soundtrack create a documentary feel.