The Florida Project (2017)

Drama

Director: Sean Baker
Writers: Sean Baker, Chris Bergoch
Starring: Brooklynn Prince, Christopher Rivera, Aiden Malik, Josie Olivo

"Welcome to a magical kingdom."

Warm, winning, and gloriously alive, Sean Baker's The Florida Project is a deeply moving and unforgettably poignant look at childhood. Set on a stretch of highway just outside the imagined utopia of Disney World, the film follows six-year-old Moonee and her rebellious mother Halley over the course of a single summer. The two live week to week at "The Magic Castle," a budget hotel managed by Bobby (Willem Dafoe), whose stern exterior hides a deep reservoir of kindness and compassion. Despite her harsh surroundings, the precocious and ebullient Moonee has no trouble making each day a celebration of life, her endless afternoons overflowing with mischief and grand adventure as she and her ragtag playmates—including Jancey, a new arrival to the area who quickly becomes Moon's best friend—fearlessly explore the utterly unique world into which they've been thrown. Unbeknownst to Moonee, however, her delicate fantasy is supported by the toil and sacrifice of Halley, who is forced to explore increasingly dangerous possibilities in order to provide for her daughter.

Plot summary from IMDb: Set over one summer, the film follows precocious six-year-old Moonee as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother, all while living in the shadows of Walt Disney World.

Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 58 wins & 106 nominations.
Runtime: 111 min
R