Set in the shadow of Walt Disney World, The Florida Project is a deeply emotional and visually striking film that explores life on the fringes of the American Dream. Instead of following tourists enjoying the luxury of theme parks, the story focuses on those living in budget motels, barely surviving day-to-day. Told mostly from the perspective of a child, the film contrasts the vibrant imagination of youth with the stark realities of poverty. Its authenticity, emotional power, and social commentary have made it one of the most talked-about independent films of the past decade.
The Setting of The Florida Project
The film takes place in Kissimmee, Florida, a town near Orlando that’s best known for being close to major tourist destinations. However, instead of showing theme parks or upscale resorts, the movie introduces viewers to a run-down motel called The Magic Castle. Painted in bright pastel purple, the building resembles something out of a fairy tale, but its residents tell a very different story. This contrast between appearance and reality is one of the film’s most striking elements.
The Reality Behind the Magic
While The Magic Castle looks whimsical from the outside, it serves as long-term housing for people living on the edge of homelessness. Families, single parents, and individuals who can’t afford rent in proper apartments are forced to live week-to-week in budget motels. The film sheds light on this often-ignored part of American society, capturing both the struggles and moments of beauty within it.
Moonee: The Child’s Perspective
The central character of *The Florida Project* is Moonee, a six-year-old girl with a bold personality and endless curiosity. Played by Brooklynn Prince, Moonee is full of mischief and wonder, exploring the area around the motel with her group of young friends. Through Moonee’s eyes, the world is still a playground, full of excitement and mystery. She isn’t aware of the economic hardship around her, which allows the film to portray serious issues with a mix of light-heartedness and poignancy.
Moonee’s adventures take her across empty lots, abandoned buildings, and ice cream stands. She causes trouble, gets into arguments, and makes friends with kids from nearby motels. Her innocence and joy provide a sharp contrast to the adults in the story, who are burdened by financial stress and personal struggles.
Halley: A Mother in Survival Mode
Moonee’s mother, Halley, is a young woman who is doing everything she can to keep a roof over their heads. Played by Bria Vinaite in her breakout role, Halley is defiant, unpredictable, and at times irresponsible but she is also loving and fiercely protective of her daughter. She hustles to make money, sometimes through illegal means, and often clashes with authority figures.
Halley’s character adds complexity to the story. She’s not portrayed as a villain or a victim, but as someone doing the best she can with very limited options. Her relationship with Moonee is both tender and troubling, and their bond becomes one of the emotional centers of the film.
The Role of Bobby, the Motel Manager
Willem Dafoe delivers a standout performance as Bobby, the manager of The Magic Castle. He walks a delicate line between enforcer and caretaker. While he’s responsible for collecting rent and maintaining order, he also looks out for the residents, especially the children. Bobby’s character offers a sense of stability and humanity amidst the chaos, and his subtle kindness leaves a lasting impression.
A Complicated Authority Figure
Bobby is not a savior, but he shows compassion. He tries to protect the kids from dangerous influences, confronts illegal activity when necessary, and even helps repair broken furniture for tenants. His presence reminds viewers that small acts of care can make a big difference in harsh circumstances.
Themes Explored in The Florida Project
The film touches on several powerful themes, all woven together through the lens of childhood and poverty. These themes give the movie emotional weight and make it a profound social commentary.
- Childhood innocence: The movie explores how children create their own world of fun and adventure even in the face of instability and poverty.
- Systemic poverty: It shines a light on the overlooked population living paycheck to paycheck in motels, unable to access stable housing.
- Parental struggle: The film shows how hard it is for some parents to protect and provide for their children without resources or support.
- Judgment and dignity: The story challenges viewers to look past initial judgments and see the humanity in people living in difficult conditions.
Visual Style and Direction
Directed by Sean Baker, *The Florida Project* uses vibrant colors, natural lighting, and a documentary-like approach to storytelling. Much of the film was shot on location with non-professional actors, giving it a realistic, lived-in feel. The cinematography mirrors the contrast between fantasy and reality, using bright visuals to reflect the children’s point of view while letting the darker undertones simmer beneath the surface.
Baker’s direction emphasizes authenticity. Scenes often feel unscripted, and the dialogue has a natural, raw rhythm. This approach creates an immersive experience that makes the audience feel like they’re living alongside the characters, not just watching them from a distance.
The Emotional Ending
The final moments of *The Florida Project* are among the most discussed and debated scenes in recent film history. As Moonee faces the possibility of being taken into child protective services, the emotional weight of the entire story comes to a head. In a sudden stylistic shift, she runs with her friend into the Disney World park, imagined or real, escaping into a fantasy that provides temporary relief from the harsh reality.
The ending is intentionally ambiguous. Is it real? Is it a dream? It doesn’t provide answers, but it leaves a lasting emotional impact that underscores the entire film’s message: for some children, fantasy is a necessary survival tool.
Impact and Reception
*The Florida Project* was widely praised for its storytelling, performances, and social relevance. Critics lauded Brooklynn Prince’s emotional range and Willem Dafoe’s subtle, compassionate portrayal. The film was nominated for multiple awards, including an Academy Award for Dafoe, and has since become a touchstone in independent cinema.
Beyond critical acclaim, the movie has sparked conversations about housing insecurity, the failures of social systems, and the unseen struggles of low-income families living in the shadows of wealth and privilege.
*The Florida Project* is not just a film about poverty it’s a story about resilience, imagination, and the human need for connection. Through Moonee’s eyes, viewers are reminded of the power of childhood wonder, even in the most difficult circumstances. With its vivid visuals, complex characters, and emotionally resonant story, the film continues to resonate with audiences and remains a powerful example of socially conscious storytelling in cinema.