Culture

Set in the 1960s, Moonrise Kingdom is about a couple of New England kids who cross paths at a summer camp and fall head-over-heels in love. Suzy comes from an upper-class family of lawyers, while Sam is an orphan who is constantly in and out of foster homes. Before leaving the camp, they make a pact to reunite the following summer and run away together. With camping aides in tow, as well as books and a cat, they set off for a week of hiking and spending time together, hoping to settle in a cove on the island which they entitle “Moonrise Kingdom”. Their “love” blossoms as they dance on the beach and generally live it up (well, as much as you can as a tween), until they are eventually found by their families and camp leaders.

Moonrise Kingdom has been getting rave reviews, and I cannot for the life of me understand why. The film is odd and quirky in a very awkward way, almost like a Dr Seuss novel. Its vintage tint, which I assume was added in an attempt to date the film, is distracting, and the plot is completely nonsensical. The foundation of the “love story” is a particularly naïve presentation of what young love is, and the fact that it involves two 12-year-olds is frankly uncomfortable.

What started out as an eclectic, light watch ceased to be entertaining after the first half-hour. The film’s scope was so narrow it was almost condescending, and to call the ending a let-down is an understatement. I can’t say it’s something I would ever watch again.