Set largely in motel parking lots, Sean Baker’s latest film is shot low to the ground – kid height – leaving viewers with the queasy sensation that someone will, at any moment, be struck by a car. The ironically named Magic Castle is the grimmest form of public housing, where motel management forces residents out once ever 29 days so that they can’t legally establish residency. It’s a remarkable film, particularly for the relationship between six-year old Moonee (an amazing Brooklyn Prince) and her emotionally stunted mother (Bria Venaite). It’s a messy relationship to be sure, but I can’t think of another film in which an angry mother takes out her rage on basically everyone except the child.
This one’s playing at East Providence 10 (60 Newport Avenue) and Route One Cinema Pub in Attleboro.
