Review: ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ tells a compelling prelude to Panem’s dark descent into the Hunger Games
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” enhances everything we know about “The Hunger Games,” while still telling a compelling, standalone narrative.
In the mesmerizing world of Panem, where survival is a ruthless game, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” takes viewers back to the early days of the Capitol’s malevolent grip.
As a middle schooler during the prime of Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” series and a strong defender of the Jennifer Lawrence films, the prospect of a prequel was a no brainer. From the release of the novel in 2020 to, at last, the the release of the film, the cinematic journey was well worth the wait.
Tom Blythe takes the spotlight as the young Coriolanus Snow, a character previously portrayed with icy brilliance by Donald Sutherland in the later films. Starring alongside Blythe is the talented Rachel Zegler, playing Lucy Gray Baird, Snow’s mentee and tribute for the Games. Supported by an impressive cast including Peter Dinklage, Jason Schwartzman, Hunter Schafer, Josh Andrés Rivera, and Viola Davis, the film boasts a stellar ensemble that breathes life into the dystopian saga.
The film unfolds against the 10th annual Hunger Games – a stark departure from the grandiose arenas of the later trilogy. Coriolanus Snow, a brilliant and ambitious student, finds himself thrust into the heart of the Games as a mentor to Lucy Gray Baird, a troubadour from District 12 with little-to-no chance of besting the stronger tributes. The film takes us back to a time when the Hunger Games were a raw display of survival, akin to Roman gladiator battles. Prior to these Games, most hadn’t lasted more than an afternoon, with tributes quickly slaughtering each other, unlike the days-long contests fans initially came to know.
This year also marks the first introduction of tributes paired with mentors – which leads to Corio and Lucy Gray’s connection. The stakes are personal for Coriolanus, who sees the mentorship as his ticket to a scholarship, a chance to uplift his family from dire straits. What ensues is a gripping tale of ambition, love, and the corrupting influence of power.
When it came to adapting this story to film, one of the initial concerns, derived from the uneven pacing of the book’s final act, was how the film would navigate this intricate narrative structure. On the page, the story feels disjointed and loses steam heading into the third act post-arena, and feels disconnected from the first two-thirds. However, the director Francis Lawrence adeptly handled the challenge, maintaining a cohesive and engaging flow throughout. The transition from the buildup to the Games and the aftermath felt seamless, erasing the pacing issues that occasionally plagued the source material.
A significant point of contention among critics and audiences revolves around the portrayal of Coriolanus Snow’s transformation into a villain. Some argue that the shift feels rushed or abrupt, questioning the believability of his descent into darkness.
However, from the outset, Snow is not painted as a virtuous character. His actions are always fueled by self-interest, a desperate bid to restore his family’s honor and secure a better future. Even in his budding romance with Lucy Gray, his seemingly pure heart is never truly looking for justice on a larger scale. Through and through Coriolanus supports the Capitol and the games – his only interest in stopping the bloodshed is to selfishly save his love, Lucy Gray. He could care less if the Games continue on afterwards. Blythe’s portrayal masterfully captures Snow’s charisma and cunning, making it easy to be swayed by his charm. The narrative, therefore, doesn’t present a hero-turned-villain tale but rather an exploration of a character whose only concern is himself.
When it comes to legacy sequels, prequels, and filling in the gaps of a franchise, new additions must walk a fine line. While some overshare and end up feeling like fan service, others enhance their original material and build upon the pre-existing world. In the case of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” the film offers a satisfying expansion of the lore that nods to what fans know and love, but never feels overbearing by forcing too many easter eggs or references. The film, despite its imperfections, succeeds in enriching “The Hunger Games” narrative, providing a nuanced look at the origins of a dystopian society.
Five movies into a franchise with very few misses, the latest installment has absolutely delivered, and at the same time, left me wanting. Whether it’s a look at a young Haymitch Abernathy’s Games or a glimpse into Finnick Odair’s, the potential for expansion is palpable. In the end, for someone who would willingly devour 75 “Hunger Games” movies, this installment served as a compelling course, leaving me hungry for more.
May the odds be ever in favor of future explorations in the captivating world of Panem.
Star Rating: 4 out of 5
“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is now playing in theaters.