Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a Startling Story of Human Nature

The latest Hunger Games occur in the same universe as the previous films, but they take place 64 years before Mockingjay. This version is significantly more mature and profoundly deeper, as it makes us firsthand witnesses to the eruption of human degradation and brutality, which won't vanish with the conclusion of the film. The cast is excellent, because in addition to Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler, it also includes Hunter Schafer, Viola Davis, Peter Dinklage, and Jason Schwartzman. This time, our guide through Panem won't be an oppressed district resident, a rebel fighting for freedom, or a games winner struggling with traumatic memories.

Through this story we will be guided by none other than eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow, who isn't yet known to transform into a beast in human form, a ruthless and influential tormentor in white gloves – President Snow. His captivating deep light blue eyes are the only thing that can give away his future. Always cold. Like eternal permafrost.

Let the games begin

Everyone has probably heard about The Hunger Games. Everything started with Suzanne Collins and her book The Hunger Games (2008), which gave rise to a best-selling trilogy. Unfortunately, the famous names failed to maintain the high level of adaptation, which is a pity because the books deserved better. Ultimately divided into two parts, Mockingjay didn't satisfy the fans' appetite for a grand finale and a complete conclusion to the entire story. However, in 2020, 12 years after the release of the first novel in the series, Suzanne Collins gives us The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Today we can enjoy an unconventional screen adaptation of this work.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Francis Lawrence, Lionsgate, 2023

The ice age

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, directed by Francis Lawrence, narrates a fictional, yet very lifelike, brutal, and compelling story, at times leaving a viewer breathless. We return to a divided Panem, where the wealthy and proud Capitol rules over twelve districts, each specializing in different economic sectors. The people in these districts are struggling and essentially working for an almost "superior race." Furthermore, the Hunger Games are organized annually to remind the residents of the districts about their lost war with the Capitol. During the so-called harvest festival, 24 tributes are selected, a female and a male between the ages of 12 and 18 for each district.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes shows us the tenth games and follows the story of Coriolanus Snow, a dedicated student whose aim is to secure a scholarship and restore his family to its former glory. He desires to win the mentor's prize for his protege's victory in the games, but everything changes when an eccentric girl from the twelfth district, which has long been regarded as the poorest and weakest, is assigned to him.

Golden hair, blue eye

It's simply impossible not to feel at least a little sympathy for Coriolanus Snow, even knowing about his later actions. And that's a good thing, as Tom Blyth captivates us and demonstrates how easily one can forget about the dark side of a person when the bright side suddenly shines so beautifully and clearly. Young Snow moves us with his innocence and confusion. As the child of a powerful and admired father, he is determined not to repeat his parent's mistakes. Corio is determined to achieve freedom in writing his own history, free from the specter of a strict, uncompromising father. A young, handsome student with golden locks appears as a Romeo, seeking the meaning of life.

Enchanted by the vision of a prosperous life in the Capitol, he doesn't expect that everything will soon change, and dangerous and influential people will become his inner circle. Coriolanus, facing the threshold of life, is unaware that he will soon have to engage in a challenging battle with someone who is strangely close to him, yet disturbingly unfamiliar – himself.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Francis Lawrence, Lionsgate, 2023

Before watching the film, it might have seemed that Snow's character has an excessively idealized image, leaving no room for an acting showcase. Despite this, Tom Blyth's performance was excellent, and his acting skills were perfectly utilized in the film. He appropriately "added" and "captured" his character's expressions without overdoing the emotions or restraint. He also perfectly captured the changes and stages that young Corio went through, as if new ideas were truly and gradually germinating in him. His reflections and inner turmoil were evident in his movements and on his face.

Can a snake love a bird?

We have to talk more about Lucy Gray Baird, played by the charismatic Rachel Zegler. Her initial moments on screen sparked some doubts, primarily because of the unsuccessful imitation of Jennifer Lawrence's portrayal of Katniss, as well as the poorly matched characterization and costume. Because why a girl from one of the poorest districts wear a spotless, colorful skirt, and flawless makeup? Right? Fortunately, Rachel Zegler demonstrated more talent and potential as the plot developed. Not acknowledging her exceptional vocal abilities would be a grave mistake, as they allowed Lucy Gray to express her warmth, sensitivity, and courage.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Francis Lawrence, Lionsgate, 2023

Corio and Lucy's relationship was characterized by extreme class disparities, violence, and suffering. They were put in the roles of mentor and tribute, for whom the day of the games is also a day of trial. The first one is focused on money, and if something doesn't go according to plan, he will continue living his life as before, just a minor professional setback. On the other hand, the tribute has a carefully calculated chance of survival: 1 in 24, as that is the number of tributes who are forced to participate in the games with the knowledge that they could be killed by a blow from even their closest friend. Because in the arena, the everyday routine fades away, identity is ripped out and you become someone else, usually a monster, or a corpse.

Here, you must endure, and there are only two options – either you flee and hide, or you grasp the ax and yield to madness. In the face of omnipresent cruelty, the human aspect still somehow persists. And despite the differences and distinctions between superior and inferior, there’s sensitivity and kindness in the world. Goodness will always find its messenger and provide hope for change.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Francis Lawrence, Lionsgate, 2023

Shades of gray

Apart from the main protagonists, there are two other prominently distinguished characters: Dean Casca Highbottom (Peter Dinklage) and the scientist and organizer of the games, Dr. Volumnia Gaul (Viola Davis). The supporting actors also did a great job. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they showed us the tense atmosphere prevailing in the center of the Capitol. The contrast between Casca and Dr. Gaul shows two completely different perspectives on madness. It's worth mentioning that Viola Davis is simply mesmerizing on screen, you just can't look away. The wonderful costumes tailored to the characters are definitely a huge advantage.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Francis Lawrence, Lionsgate, 2023

Unfortunately, you may also have the impression that the potential of many other characters was wasted and their stories were treated very superficially. This was the case, for instance, during the scene of introducing the tributes to the mentors. I felt that only the bond between Lucy and Corio mattered, while the rest was completely irrelevant. As if their only task was to be present in a moving scene and then disappear. It's unfortunate because the characters, especially the tributes, could have been further developed to give them more depth.

Behind the scenes of the Games

When it comes to the technicalities, let's begin with one of the most visually appealing aspect, which is the costumes. It must be admitted that the costumes in Ballad are incredibly refined and well designed. They harmonize with the characters' identities and often reflect their true nature. The residents of the districts are mostly seen wearing work clothes and old-fashioned attire in subtle colors that don't stand out from the crowd. On the other hand, red dominates in the Capitol (symbolizing power, blood, and war) along with style, elegance, and modernity. The academy students wear gray-blue shirts and unique red uniforms, which include a jacket, trousers, and skirt, regardless of gender.

Dr. Volumnia Gaul's outfit is definitely an example of styling that’s perfectly suited to the character's personality. She appears in the most extravagant, original, and even slightly crazy creations, which emphasize her temperament, dominance, and individualism. Moreover, the introverted and mysterious dean Casca is dressed in a more modest yet equally elegant manner. His clothes are black, as if they were meant to symbolize death and destruction.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Francis Lawrence, Lionsgate, 2023

In terms of costumes, the only weaker aspect that clearly stands out from the rest is Lucy Gray Baird's attire. When we first see her, she appears to be the defiant daughter of a high-ranking official, having just arrived in District Twelve from her residence in the Capitol. She is wearing a clean, bright blue shirt, a beautiful corset with floral elements, and an attention-grabbing skirt in various colors. And the remaining residents stand around her, dressed in poor, gray clothes that matches their reality. The uneven and inadequate characterization is also very noticeable, and unfortunately, this isn't the only incident of its kind.

Probably the worst makeup and hairdressing blunder are the aforementioned harvest festivals. Lucy, selected as a tribute, stands out from the crowd in immaculate outfit, with freshly styled hair, flawless skin, and noticeable makeup, despite the 12’s population appearing weary and oppressed, with dirty clothes and faces! It's hard to believe that someone actually accepted it. Later, there were a few more occasions when it seemed like the injuries the characters received were not in proportion to the events that happened to them, which took away some of the fun. Similarly, when it comes to promoting tributes, mentors theoretically care about winning, but they won't even take care of the basic hygiene of their charges.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Francis Lawrence, Lionsgate, 2023

The scenery is correct, diverse, consistent, and actually quite realistic. As a result, the events in the film fit together very nicely, and the created atmosphere always lingers with us. This was also influenced by the balanced use of special effects and great camera work. It increases the sense of involvement in the film. The key turned out to be the fact that the creators managed to maintain a good equilibrium between form and content.

The musical aspect of Ballad cannot be ignored, as it’s an extremely important part of this production. In addition to the song about hanging tree from Mockingjay, we will also hear some really interesting country-style ballads. Rachel Zegler's voice is truly exceptional, even though it may seem like an unconventional choice for a young adult oriented film. Before you know it, your legs will naturally start tapping to the rhythm of the songs.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is an extremely interesting spectacle, with captivating sounds and visuals. It's brimming with an unexpectedly immersive atmosphere. The producers were able to accomplish this without excessive special effects, resulting in a different and clearer presentation of the film's meaning. Fans of the series will appreciate the nice references and the refreshed version of the song The Hanging Tree, which is already familiar to them. Of course, there are a couple of weaker moments, but in this case, you can overlook them and still enjoy the games.

The song of birds and the hiss of a snake – that's what you should focus on. Embark on a journey through Corio's life, drift away with Lucy Grey's music, and you'll leave the cinema pleasantly surprised and provoked to a bittersweet reflection on who we are as humanity.

OUR SCORE: 8/10