What a precious and uplifting film this is! Some themes the film explores are mysticism, family, culture and community. What's also important to note is how abrasive modern civilization treats a group of people who choose to live in a forested environment; there are boundaries broken along civil lines. The film incorporates metaphorical imagery (dare I say, poetic) of ancient aurochs (like ancient warthogs?) that come back to life; are they symbolic of the feelings and needs of our young protagonist, Hushpuppy? Zeitlin's film shows us the happiness and joy of a sequestered community faced with conflict from the civilized world, the issues of dealing with disease, and the strength and hope of caring for our loved ones. I can see this film being nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, and possibly winning.
Some important films I was reminded of were David Gordon Green's George Washington (2000), which explores the lifestyle and emotions of a Black community in rural North Carolina, as well as Green's Undertow (2004), with its rural Georgia imagery.
A film like Beasts of the Southern Wild seems so rare that once you watch it, you never forget it.
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