Remember how much fun The Road was? Well, this story, set in our own world rather than a post-apocalyptic one, has the same relentless feel to it and, despite some powerful moments and great acting, never really comes alive as a story.
Set in the Bayou region south of the levees, it centres around nine-year-old girl Hushpuppy and her father Wink. They live in what is basically a camp, scavenging for food, killing anything that threatens them like the many gators and hogs, and sleeping in a makeshift shelter. Wink hears on the radio of a great storm that threatens them all, and builds a raft to keep himself and hushpuppy alive.
The storm sequence is well done, and admirably brief, and the film then turns into what is basically a road movie, with the couple slowly making their way to dry land, encountering various characters on the way. There’s an underlying eco-friendly theme, as the local teacher convinces everyone to survive they must get together and share the workload, planting vegetables and catching fish.
Wink though seems increasingly angry with his daughter’s lack of survival skills, insisting she demolish a crab with her bare hands in front of the group and shouting at her for not pulling her weight. It transpires he is holding a dark secret, and Hushpuppy has a lot to come to terms with for a nine-year-old girl.
It’s a pretty raw film, with just a few images to keep the momentum going. One remarkable sequence sees the travellers turn up at what appears to be a floating brothel and the ladies dancing with the children.
Overall verdict: Worthy attempt at a fresh look at what was clearly based on the New Orleans disaster with some powerful moments but not enough engagement in the story or the characters. Wallis is clearly one for the future though.
Reviewer: Mike Martin