For many, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes has been hotly anticipated. Fans of the Hunger Games franchise have waited years for a new movie, and the more romantic tilt of the prequel’s story is an enticing angle for those interested in the alternative narratives that exist within its world. Considering the massive success of the original Hunger Games series, the bar was set rather high for the latest instalment.
The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes tells the story of a young Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth), the man who becomes the tyrannical president of Panem who serves as one of the main antagonists of the Hunger Games series. Based on Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name, it follows Snow as he is tasked with mentoring a young tribute named Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler) in the 10th annual Hunger Games. Bound by social convention and his own desire to succeed, Coriolanus finds himself torn between ambition and emotion.
Though its premise seemingly has romance at its core, the prequel actually features much more political intrigue and drama than the original series. With less of a focus on action and more in-depth character exploration, it’s an interesting prequel, as it feels both an important part of the franchise despite a different tone to previous movies. However, when judged entirely on its own merit, the prequel is something of a mixed bag.
The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes Adds New Depth To The Hunger Games Franchise
It’s undeniable that The Ballas of Songbirds & Snakes enriches the story of the Hunger Games franchise. Its story offers insight into a villainous character by making him more sympathetic and complex, and it boasts a brilliant chemistry between its two leads. However, its story is very much one of two parts, and that causes significant pacing issues.
The first half of the movie focuses on the Hunger Games themselves and Snow risking his fragile reputation to help his tribute. The second half follows their relationship more closely in the aftermath of the games, giving the audience another glimpse of District 12 and Coriolanus’ time there. Peppered throughout, there’s action, music, and romance, but each segment of the film feels distinct from the last. This makes it a jarring and somewhat drawn-out experience.
The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is a well-crafted film, and it certainly helps elevate what some consider an overrated movie franchise. However, the way in which the prequel tracks Snow’s journey to becoming a tyrant is a little too sympathetic, leaving his villain turn too late to be truly convincing. Even so, it’s a layered film that offers a reasonably well-considered adaptation of the novel, and it serves as a solid prequel to the Hunger Games franchise.
Rating: 65%
Summary: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes draws itself out slightly too long and then rushes its ending, but its two leads help the prequel to deliver upon its multi-genre potential.
Highlight: Rachel Zegler’s haunting vocal performances are by far the most powerful moments of the entire film.