In between the shadows that outline the corridors of Panem, Suzanne Collins invites us in to participate in a new game, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The movie embodies what the 10th annual Hunger Games looked like, allowing us to indulge in its deep history and digest how the games truly shifted into a huge spectacle.
Through the eyes of young Coriolanus Snow, portrayed with chilling precision by Tom Blyth, we truly get to see the magic unfold as he mentors Lucy Gray (a tribute from District 12) through the Hunger Games.
Throughout the film, we see many forms of Coriolanus Snow projected through the screen. Initially, he is a poor schoolboy, struggling with the challenge of providing for his family. Nonetheless expected to put on an act of his success, his dear cousin Tigris helps him blend into the Capitol status with the hopes that he will one day become President and win the Plinth Prize. Despite the ruthless arena, Snow’s kindheartedness surfaces, after his realization that Lucy saved him in the rebel bombing. In an effort to ensure her survival, Coriolanus cares for Lucy Gray, doing everything in his power to help her survive the games- even if it means bending the rules.
Guilty of cheating in the games, Snow is sent off to keep order in the districts. Finding his way to District 12, he hopes to be reunited with Lucy Gray. During their time together, Snow spends a lot of time around the Covey. It is amongst their time together that the echos of Katniss’s story wash to shore when Maude Ivory, extends a Potatoe root to Lucy. It is only when Snow curiously asks about the plant and its purpose that Lucy deems Katniss a more suitable name for the plant. Yet, it is not just the serendipity in the choice of the name that connects Snow to Katniss, but also in the Mockingjay’s that soar swiftly through the trees above them in the rustic setting of the Covey cabin that separates them from the rest of the world.
While the movie offers these parallels, the Director, Francis Lawrence, and Author, Suzanne Collins offer the audiences a surprising twist to the story. Taking a bold step in humanizing Snow, viewers find themselves ever so slightly rooting for the good in our protagonist. Yet, all too soon we see his good plummet.
Through efforts of trying to prevent his friend from breaking laws and getting entangled in crimes, we see Coriolanus falling into the character we all have grown to know and hate. Sadly, during his downfall, we see him not only lose his friend, but also the girl. Making his way back to the Capitol, we see the movie come to an end with Snow landing on top.
While the 2-hour and 38-minute movie is so perfectly packaged, between artistic details, well-developed characters, thought-provoking parallels, and captivating musical composition, there are some things I wish could have been altered, if given the ability.
There is no doubt that the cast embodies a commendable portrayal of their respective roles. However, I found myself yearning for more profound character development, particularly in the cases of Lucy Gray, Tigris, and Sejanus Plinth.
Despite the unique perspective of witnessing the 10th annual Hunger Games through the lens of a Capitol mentor rather than a tribute, the intentional withholding of information prevents from a deeper level of depth I was looking for from the characters.
As the film unfolds, I couldn’t shake the feeling that delving deeper into District 12’s intricacies could have opened for a richer understanding of Lucy Gray and her world. Instead, we are abruptly placed into the reaping, where Lucy’s ex-boyfriend’s outburst and the mayor’s daughter’s belittling remarks unfold without immediate context. It’s only after a series of scenes later that the puzzle pieces fall into place, unveiling the significance of these characters and their interactions. Therefore, perhaps a more gradual and detailed exposer to District 12 and Lucy Gray would have allowed the audience to organically absorb the complexities of District 12 and Lucy Gray’s life.
Beyond the depth of Lucy Gray, Tigris appears as a character deserving a more profound exploration of her thoughts and storyline. As the initial movie of The Hunger Games provides us with exposure to an older Tigris, this film unveils the younger Tigris as Coriolanus Snow’s cousin. By the film’s conclusion, a disconnect unfolds between them, and understandably so. However, the narrative falls short when offering us a glimpse into Tigris’s thoughts, skills, and/or background.
Again, knowing that this film is meant to be seen through the eyes of Coriolanus Snow, it is hard to ask for anything more than what we were given. Yet, if the movie were split into two parts, allowing for more time to be spent in the depth of surrounding characters, Tigris would be one of interest. We know from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes that Tigris, like many of the viewers, is routing for the good in Snow. However, his true intentions are inevitable and thus leave Tigris disappointed and disassociating years later.
One figure that beckons for a more extensive exploration is the intriguing Sejanus Plinth. Coriolanus Snow’s dear friend Sejanus, a figure of both wealth and knowledge, emerges as a fellow classmate alongside Snow. What sets Sejanus apart is not merely his privileged background but the realization that he is not really Capitol. Instead, his roots dig deep into the soil of District 2.
Adding a level of complexity to the film, Sejanus is selected to mentor one of his own form District 2, Marcus. However, Marcus doesn’t make it very far. During the tributes tour of the arena, terror unfolds as rebels bomb the very heart of the Capitol. Marcus uses this opportunity as a way to escape the games. Sadly, he doesn’t make it very far. Inevitably, he is caught and hung on display for all to see during the 10th annual games. This course of action made by our not- so-beloved Gamemaker leaves Sejanus distraught and full of resentment for the Capitol.
Within the Capitol, rebellion continues as Sejanus finds his way into the arena to lay breadcrumbs over his fallen tribute. However, his attempts to publicly rebel against the games go unnoticed when the Gamemaker cuts the feed. As punishment for the “show” Sejanus tries to put on, he is sent to District 12, with Coriolanus Snow, as a peacekeeper. However, unlike Snow, Sejanus goes with the goal of helping others. Unfortunately, his efforts backfired, thanks to his beloved friend Snow, and eventually he is hanged from the hanging tree.
While much of his story is told alongside Coriolanus Snow, incorporating flashbacks to his time spent in two would have been an adequate and unique contribution to the film. Maybe then, some of our questions would be answered; What did his life look like in 2? How did he make it to the Capitol? What is the history around his father’s legacy?
Nonetheless, the film captures the deep contrast between the Capitol and poverty-stricken districts, setting the stage for the drastic socio-economic differences that would later fuel a rebellion. The cinematography, coupled with the film’s meticulous attention to detail in recreating the world of Panem, creates a visually immersive experience that allows the audiences to be subjected to a time in history when the Games were only beginning. Although many may have craved a story told from the eyes of another tribute, it is only through the unique perspective of Coriolanus Snow that we see the deeply rooted history and corruption within the games. Without this perspective one can only somewhat understand why Katniss contributed to the downfall of the once indestructible President Snow.
Overall, Suzanne Collins’ once again gifts us a world so complex yet similar. Like Lucy Gray, Suzzanne Collins only writes when she says something. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes provokes thoughtful discussion around the preconceived notions of morality, power, and the choices that shape one’s personal identities.
Many claim that this Game could very well be the best yet. To experience it firsthand, be sure to catch The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes at your nearest movie theater. I would guarantee that you’ll leave the theater with your expectations exceeded, captivated by the meticulously woven narrative, flawlessly executed roles portrayed throughout the film, and moved by the impactful music that seamlessly intertwines the story to its well-deserved success.