Director Francis Lawrence, who directed three of the four previous Hunger Games movies, delivers a very well made and watchable film with The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The film is the best and most interesting in the series, offering a unique and captivating storyline.
The film follows Coriolanus Snow, who is tasked with helping popularize District 12’s tribute in the 10th annual Hunger Games to win favor and money from a wealthy classmate’s father. Snow’s character is complex and enthralling, portrayed with a creepy intensity by Tom Byth, and his dynamic with the tribute, Lucy Gray Baird, adds depth to the story.
The film delves into the early years of the Hunger Games, showcasing a different and gritty portrayal of the event. It explores the efforts to boost viewership and the introduction of new elements to the Games, creating an intriguing storyline that deviates from the standard big-budget franchise movie.
The characters of Lucy Gray and Sejanus serve as moral influences on Snow, adding complexity to his character and providing opportunities for him to choose a different path. The film effectively portrays Snow’s descent into villainy, emphasizing his fatalistic nature and the inevitability of his transformation.
The filmmaking approach, including disorienting shots and a different vibe from previous films in the series, adds to the film’s appeal, keeping the story engaging despite its lengthy running time. The film successfully justifies its own existence by humanizing Snow and presenting a compelling narrative.
