The fact that The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes exists is an absolute miracle. After the series seemed to end in 2015 with the release of Mockingjay – Part 2, nobody could have ever expected that Suzanne Collins would write a prequel to the entire series set over sixty years before the first that focuses on a teenage Coriolanus Snow.

It was a risky decision. Writing a book about the origins of a literal terrorist seemed like a hard thing to do. But Collins did it and it was liked for good reason. It’s a great book that goes into fantastic detail on Snow’s life and the folks around him. Was he always so evil? Does he truly have a heart in that body or is he a complete demon on Earth?

Fast-forward to now and we have a film that’s every bit as glorious and rich as fans could possibly hope for. This is a Hunger Games movie unlike any we’ve seen to date and it’s for the better. If you’re a fan of this series, then you need to run as fast as you can to the theatre. Run there like you’re running for your life.

Make no mistake – this is not a dumb YA movie by any means. It’s a dark and disturbing deep dive into the world of Panem. Every single moment was used well. Panem has never felt more real than in this film. Panem is one of the best in all of fiction in my humble opinion, and this movie just made me appreciate Suzanne Collins’ world even more than I already did (which was a hell of a lot).

At its core, this film traces the life of a young Coriolanus Snow, portrayed with depth and nuance by the talented Tom Blyth, from a determined yet idealistic youth to the morally complex leader of Panem. Blyth’s portrayal captivates, displaying Snow’s initial aspirations for familial redemption and societal elevation, gradually unraveled by circumstances and his own choices.

Rachel Zegler shines as Lucy Gray Baird, a District 12 tribute. Her compelling charisma serves as a focal point of both the Games and Snow’s evolving character. Zegler’s performance beautifully captures Lucy Gray’s resilience. Her melodic voice and unyielding spirit becoming a beacon of hope amidst the cruelty of the Hunger Games.

The film’s narrative intricacies, crafted around the mentorship dynamics and the evolution of the Games themselves, draw viewers deeper into the morally grey world of Panem. Peter Dinklage delivers a memorable performance as Casca Highbottom, the enigmatic creator of the Hunger Games. His revelations about the true nature of the Games sow seeds of disillusionment and moral ambiguity within Snow.

One of the film’s best aspects is the exploration of power, morality, and manipulation. The relationship between Snow and Lucy Gray, steeped in layers of trust, manipulation, and genuine connection, serves as a strong reflection of the ethical compromises made in pursuit of power and survival.

Visually, the film excels in portraying the contrast between the opulence of the Capitol and the stark realities of the districts. This immerses audiences in the stark disparities that define Panem’s societal structure. The cinematography captures the extravagant spectacle of the Games and the gritty authenticity of District life. This enhances the emotional depth of the narrative.

The thematic richness of the story delves into societal injustice, the corrupting influence of power, and the morality of survival. The complexities of character motivations, especially in the morally ambiguous actions of Snow, Sejanus Plinth (played by the talented Josh Andrés Rivera), and the formidable Dr. Volumnia Gaul (portrayed with gravitas by Viola Davis), add layers of depth to the film.

The climax is a gripping culmination of deceit, betrayal, and personal reckoning. It shows Snow’s descent into moral ambiguity and the seeds of his future authoritarian persona.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes stands as an interesting addition to the beloved series. If you’re a fan of the series, seek this one out immediately.