Suzanne Collin’s trailblazing series The Hunger Games has left a lasting impact on the world of literature. Her newest book, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a prequel to the collection, was recently adapted into a movie directed by Francis Lawrence in November of 2023. With a cast full of charming characters, and a twisted, elaborate, but moving plot, this film has greatly captivated the younger generation (by which I mean people are raving about it on TikTok.)
As the origin story of the renowned villain President Snow, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes follows the descent of his younger self (played by English actor Tom Blyth) into darkness. Set in three parts, it first explores his journey mentoring Lucy Gray Baird, his love interest, and a tribute in the Games. Later it focuses on him attempting to guide her through said Games, and finally, it ends with him working as a Peacekeeper in District 12.
Speaking of Lucy Gray, known for her singing and acting skills in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of West Side Story, Rachel Zegler has once again risen to the role. She embodies this mysterious girl flawlessly through every defiant glare, every growl in her songs, and every coy smile. Having read the book before watching the movie, I agree that she is exactly as if Collin’s words lifted themselves off of the paper and manifested themselves in human form. However, a small note that I wanted to add is that I wasn’t a complete fan of the Appalachian accent – it felt a tad bit contrived.
On the other hand, Tom Blyth could have taken his role as Coriolanus Snow further emotionally. Both the protagonist and a villain, Snow’s character is certainly a complicated one. He is driven to a downward spiral by several different factors: the death of his mother, his grandmother’s expectations for him to be like his father, the pressure from the Academy, his love for Lucy Gray, and the tantalizing freedom she promises. It can be quite hard to portray such a multifaceted person’s internal struggle and while Blyth did a respectable job, it wouldn’t have hurt to intensify his performance in certain scenes. I must admit that he did establish a presence throughout the film, even while working alongside prominent actors Viola Davis (as Dr. Volumnia Gaul) and Peter Dinklage (as Dean Casca Highbottom), considering the fact that he now has the whole adolescent population enamored with him online.
Stylistically, the movie was detailed and well thought out. Everything from costume design to the set contributed to a dystopian, futuristic effect. This is visually communicated through the homogenous nature of the monochrome red school uniforms, comprising pants, a suit jacket, and a pleated skirt. In my opinion, Tom Blyth pulled off that outfit quite well. Additionally, with the help of many aerial or overhead camera shots, the cast is always depicted in backdrops that seem too big for them. They are featured in a cavernous arena, a sloping field, or on spacious sidewalks surrounded by colossal statues, pillars, and buildings. Not only does this choice add to the otherworldly feel, but it makes the characters seem small and vulnerable, which, believe me, they are. Lastly, the music production was simply astounding as it felt very intentional in the best way possible. To this day I still listen to the soundtrack and cry about the characters.
The moment the credits rolled I was blown away, and not just because Olivia Rodrigo began crooning “Can’t Catch Me Now.” I was left shell-shocked and stunned, overwhelmed by the deluge of emotions that the film had just unloaded on me. Of course, I can’t say why, but I was confused, heartbroken, melancholic, angry, very confused, devastated, in love, and I maybe let a tear slip. But somehow, this turbulent storm of thoughts felt good, because underneath it all I knew that the movie had left its mark, and that’s why I knew that it was worth the watch.