It gave me a headache, but was decent otherwise.
It starts without music, which I found interesting, and develops by recording Hushpuppy's actions and reactions. The relationship she holds with living things is introduced early on, and remembered to the audience by heartbeats in the soundtrack. There are also the relationships she holds with her father, her mother, and the other members of The Bathtub.
Hushpuppy spends a good deal of time concerned with life. She is concerned for the lives of her pets, but knows they are only animals. She understands that, not only do they eat each other, but she might have to eat them someday. This does not bother her as much as it might bother other children. In this and other matters of life and death she has a grip on life that I see lacking in some adults. She is concerned for the life of her dying father and for the rest of her town, especially when the flood comes. The last life she has concern for is that of her mother. When she realizes her dad might not be around much longer, Hushpuppy gathers a gang to go in search of this mysterious parent. Whether or not any of these relationships are completely understood and reconciled at the end is determined, I think, by how the viewer understands the part of the aurochs in the story. If they are real creatures, Hushpuppy has the appearance of having transcended reality and is now living in a state above normal humans'. If, however, they are symbolic, then she licks her problems in the end and has confidence in her ability to do it again, but remains human.
The characters held a lot of challenges for me. They were bright and resourceful, but at the same time looked like a lot of fools. There were many things going on that would look odd in the culture I know. For example, Hushpuppy and her father live in separate houses (until Hushpuppy has a fit and burns hers down). They let their pride keep them from leaving, though they know the flood will come eventually and ruin them. When they are rescued, they leave and set up a new place where they can take care of themselves. While I can appreciate their tenacity, some of their actions do not appear wise.
The settings were beautiful. The Bathtub had color and music and a celebratory flair to it. It reminded me of New Orleans. The people all cared for one another, sharing whatever they could. The nature that surrounded them was beautiful. It was chaotic, as well, but held the wildness with grandeur and welcomed the group that lived in it. All this contrasted wonderfully with the stark whiteness and cleanliness of the place the "refugees" are taken.
The music was well composed because it sounded like it was not. Much of it blended into the wild nature of the picture and story. There is a triumphant march when the kids return from their expedition, which glides into great background for the appearance of the aurochs on the plain. I enjoyed it.
Ah, the camerawork. This is the part that gave me a headache. In several instances it looks like the cameraman tripped, as it jolts suddenly and seemingly without purpose. The camera is almost never still, but spends most of the time twitching about. It cuts off people's heads while they are talking or performing an action concerning the scene, and dips around at odd times. It was difficult to watch. I am sure it was meant to tell the story, but whether it was because the story was wild or in the mind of a little girl or some other reason I do not know.
Regardless, this was an interesting story about a little girl and the struggles of The Bathtub. It was told well, I believe, for what it was. However, I think it could be taken a few ways. Maybe Hushpuppy was the purpose of the story, or maybe she was just the messenger. It is up to you if the story you see was well told.
