Strong point is subtext almost totally unadorned, even by words. Using the landscape, a bit of dreams, and terrific editing, every frame is rich in story and palpable truth. Watching, one never doubts that the father loves his child. But does she understand? Given the opportunity to escape what seems like a horrific life, she carefully saves alligator nuggets from her only meal in days and runs back through the swampland to feed her dying father. Really, a beautiful film.

One of the most incrediable films I've seen in years. Benh Zeitlin is a remarkable young talent. This is a must see for anybody who has ever complained how badly they have it in life, and gives sad meaning to "blissful ignorance". The 200-mile drive to the closest theater showing the film was well worth it. I'd do it again.......

Living in New Orleans for 35 years, and growing up in Quezervhane' Wallis's hometown, I expected a film with bad accents and others' concepts of what people from "down the bayou" are like. Never was I so wrong. "Beasts of the Southern Wild" is magical in every way. The acting is Oscar-worthy, particularly from Miss Wallace and Mr. Henry. The director had his work cut out for him - no one has ever gone into the bayous and so accurately filmed and actually captured this land and its inhabitants, portraying the beauty, the hardships, the joy, the grit, and deep love of life held dear by these people. From the intriguing, exquisitely beautiful opening, to the spell-binding, powerful narrative by the tiny, brilliant powerhouse Miss Wallace, to the achingly beautiful ending that made me want to go home and take a ride"down the bayou," "Beasts" proved to be THE film that will uplift without being smarmy, scare without gore, and show love and courage in the purest, most beautiful form.

Hushpuppy, the 6 year old star of this film, is just as her name describes - tough on the outside and tender and sweet on the inside. The relationship between father and daughter is the focus of this film. He seems as uncaring and harsh as their environment, but it becomes clear that he is preparing her for harsh reality even as they live in a harsh reality - bayou country at the edge of the world - "the bathtub", surrounded by water and virtually cut off from civilization. My 12 and 14 y/o kids loved the film as well. You feel like you're stepping into another world that is strange and almost absurd, but you leave loving everyone in it.

I started crying five minutes in. I stopped crying by the final credits. There were some dry moments. There were smiles and maybe a laugh. Most of the movie I spent almost crying, crying, and thinking what a great little actress that little girl is. It's playing at the ArcLight Hollywood even though it's currently not showing up online.