Well, we finally made it to see Moonrise Kingdom (eff you, selected theatre release, I would’ve been there opening day), and it is the definition of Wes-Anderson-perfection. Wes Anderson is a rather polarizing director, you either love him or love to hate him, and before I continue, I must warn you I love him & this movie so freakin’ hard it hurts. Judge me or join me. Let’s go.

This film may be the most different Wes Anderson film yet: it took place in an entirely fictional place, there is a noticeable lack of his usual monochromatic Futura font, and the number of curse words used could be counted on one hand (minor details but a big deal nonetheless). However, everything about Anderson films that makes you watch wishing you could dive into the screen and live in his perfectly constructed aesthetic forever has been amplified at least times ten. The wardrobes. The too appropriate soundtrack. The wit and dry humor. Oh, Wes, if I could absorb everything that is Moonrise Kingdom, I would and trust, I planned on trying the second the credits started to roll.

This film not only made me fall for Wes Anderson harder than ever before, but the entire story won my heart a million times over. The emotions, the dynamics, the everything were all so painfully real (dare to disagree, I’ll defend Wes to the death), but in the most beautiful way possible. The film focuses on two young and in love outcasts, who escape reality and run away together, with the rest of their worlds chasing them to bring them back. Mix that in with everything that you can hope for in a movie, and you have a film that I’m all too willing to flesh out $11.00 again and again to watch on the big screen.

In short, Moonrise Kingdom paints the ideal: running away with your best friend, living in your underwear with daisies in your hair with no one telling you what to do, where to go, and how to live. It acknowledges the fact that paradise is always short-lived, that reality will always be there to bring you back, but in those few moments, you can believe that nowhere else exists. Because in the event of running away, I too, would bring a record player, my favorite record, and a suitcase full of books.

Take Me to the Kingdom,
Melissa