Moonrise Kingdom

Released: 2012

Directed By: Wes Anderson

Starring: Jared Gilman, Edward Norton, Kara Hayward

Certificate: 15

Reviewed By: Darryl Griffiths

Director Wes Anderson has always had a trained eye, when it comes to perfecting a sense of quirkiness in his films. Recently proving such a dab hand at bringing his vibrant style to help recreate a kid’s classic in the form of ‘The Fantastic Mr Fox’ back in 2009, it’s only natural his latest project ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ contains dysfunctional teens at the forefront of the premise.

Set in colourful 1965 New England, we encounter the ’emotionally disturbed’ Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman). Currently dealing with the reluctance of being a part of a group of Khaki scouts at Camp Ivanhoe (headed up by American History X’s Edward Norton) and feeling disconnected from his ‘family’, he soon seeks comfort in the form of an equally troubled other called Suzy (Kara Hayward). Initially mesmerised by her unique appearance, they secretly make a pact to run away together and escape the stifling air of their day to day lives.

Horrified by such an occurrence, a search party is formed to attempt to ‘rescue’ the teens which consists of Suzy’s parents (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand respectively), Norton’s character Scout Master Ward and a local sheriff played by Bruce Willis.

‘Moonrise Kingdom’ first and foremost, is gorgeous to look at with Anderson’s direction immaculate. You could argue his picturesque style and flair is intended to evoke memories of various childhood favourites here. The use of a delicately paced tracking shot as he shifts seamlessly from room to room a mere example, has the feeling of a storybook. In addition, the ‘run away together forever’ plot-line intertwined with the visuals helps to create a fairytale quality to proceedings.

As far as performances go, debutants Gilman and Hayward ‘opposites attract’ double act is utterly endearing who collectively embody the awkwardness that comes with adolescence brilliantly. The adult contingent don’t let the side down either with Willis playing ‘understated’ to a tee and the naive nature of Norton’s scout leader providing moments of offbeat hilarity.

The emotional glue comes courtesy of Murray and McDormand. Ploughing on with hope, despite their relationship issues helps to emphasise their longing of a more innocent and less complicated world which the younglings of the film are so desperate to discover on their own terms. The only fault in such a department is that the talents of Tilda Swinton and Anderson regular Jason Schwartzman are reduced to mere cameos.

The uninitiated will still struggle to warm to his brand of cinema, but for the rest of us.. ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ is a light but delightful feast for the senses!

One of the year’s best.