As a major fan of the Hunger Games books and films, I HAD to see The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes the day it came out. Actually, I saw it twice. After waiting over a year, this film did not disappoint. From the casting to the translation of the book to the screen, it was brilliant.

I loved everything about this movie, but I think the casting was probably my favourite part. The cast took the story exactly where it needed to go. From Sofia Sanchez who stole are hearts as Wovey to Viola Davis who played the menacing Doctor Gaul, emotions were constantly being provoked through out the film. Although Sofia Sanchez had few scenes, she managed to create an impactful moment for anyone watching through her beautiful acting in her final since. Jason Schwartzman who played Lucky Flickerman (ancestor of Ceasor Flickerman) gave an exciting performance as weather man and host of the Hunger Games. He delivered his lines so perfectly that some cinema goers laughed granting horrific things had happened on screen only moments before. His somewhat sinister jokes made certain deaths such as Wovey and Dill’s even more disgusting with their ability to disguise the horrors of the deaths in the arena. Such lines are now iconic on social media platforms such as TikTok.              I also loved the nod to viewers who were a little more invested in the series with subtle nods to the future of Panem with the mention of a highchair for a baby Flickerman and an untouched bow in the arena to direct parallels such as Katniss’ bow and the lake.

Although there were a few alterations to the original text and I cannot be the only person wanting to see the full three hours and forty minutes, the film perfectly slimmed down the book without losing important characters. Some of the biggest alterations were order of deaths and who killed who in the arena. Neither of these changes had a large effect on how the narrative made you feel about each character. My only criticism is that Ma (Mrs Plinth) did not get nearly as much screen time as deserved. When I read the book, she was very impactful to me particularly in showing Snow’s true colours. I must say, I was a little disappointed when she got about two seconds of screen time.

The only I would not watch the film is if I did not want to risk a for you page full of Hunger Games lore. I adored the film. Even though it is about two and a half hours, it goes very quickly. There is constant food for thought throughout as Suzzane Collins manages to comment on society through what was originally a dystopian for teens. Also, there are little ‘easter eggs’ to find. It gives a real insight into Snow without making you feel sympathetic for him. Unfortunately, if you find blonde curly hair attractive you might end up feeling some (a very large amount) sympathy for Snow. If so, I do not blame you. The film also humanises the tributes and characters such as Tigris in a way the Hunger Games series failed to do so due to it having such a prominent narrative. All and all, The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes is a beautiful piece of cinematography and well worth your time. Five stars.