By Ariana Martinez

Director Francis Lawrence has done it again. Continuing the legacy of the famous young adult book series The Hunger Games with the new movie adaptation of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Released on November 17, 2023, this prequel shares a story of what life was like 64 years before the events of the first movie, sharing the backstory of the main antagonist, Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth).

In this prequel Lawrence truly brings Suzanne Collins’ original vision to life, giving us this incredibly made film full of twists and turns. Throughout the movie we get a visual of what life was like before Snow took reign and before their world fell to pieces. Seeing how Snow had love and losses, but overall how he was willing to do anything to be on top even if it meant betraying the people closest to him. The film begins when he first meets Lucy Gray (Rachel Zegler), who is the female protagonist, a performer and the love interest of Coriolanus. 

In the film, Snow has to mentor the district 12 tribute, Lucy Gray, for the 10th annual Hunger games. Lucy is a character I love, for her witty personality and the ability to be strong in hard times. I think what really got me about her was when she stayed back to protect her friend Jessup Diggs even when it meant risking her life. Some fans say that her accent was a little cheesy and her constant singing made the movie feel a bit like a musical. Although, Lucy ‘s singing follows the purpose of the title beautifully, seeing as she is the songbird. Rachel Zegler portrays her character wonderfully. 

In the film, Snow mentors Lucy and they become closer than the other mentors and tributes. We can just see the chemistry between them from the very beginning in the way Snow risks his life sneaking into the cage with her and getting her food. Although there was attraction, there wasn’t a whole lot of trust. But they knew they needed each other if they wanted to survive the games. 

In the movie Snow is friends with a boy Sejanus Plinth (played by Josh Andrés Rivera) who I believe is supposed to represent the Katniss Everdeen of 64 years before. Snow did not believe in what Sejanus Plinth was doing trying to help the poor citizens of Panem; he saw him as a potential threat, just as he did Katniss. 

Has this new movie adaptation lived up to the expectations the last four movies have given us? The film as a whole was amazing from the effects to the actors and actresses. But a lot of fans who have read the novel were disappointed seeing how the film was very different compared to the book, as most films are—lacking important views and information. 

In the movie we didn’t know Snow’s true intentions of wanting power until later on in the movie. In the book there are remarks that show him leading into it. We also get a lot more action and blood than there was described in the book. Some fans thought we would finally get a different perspective on the games, how it was different back then but we aren’t able to see this, making it too similar to the other movies.

But we do see a lot of clever references to the other films that if you haven’t read the books will have you pointing at the TV in recognition, such as the reference to Katniss’ name in one scene of the film. 

Overall, I rate the film a four out of five. For a prequel, it was really good. It did have a few scenes that felt a little off, and moments that could’ve been added to, but overall it was well made and the story was well executed. I say you should give it a watch.