The Florida Project

Young Dicky excitedly leads his friends Moonee and Scooty to the seedy motel known as Future Land in Kissimmee, Florida. Their mischievous adventure begins as they engage in playful antics, contributing to the atmosphere of carefree childhood exploration.

The children's playful behavior catches the attention of Stacy, who reprimands them, especially for focusing their antics on her granddaughter Jancey. This moment highlights the tension between youthful mischief and adult responsibility.

Stacy informs Bobby, the manager of Magic Castle, about the children’s antics, prompting him to confront Halley, Moonee's mother. As a consequence, Moonee and her friends are forced to clean up the mess made on Stacy’s car, illustrating the consequences of their actions.

Halley and Moonee's extended stay at Magic Castle highlights their financial struggles, shared by other residents like Scooty and his mother Ashley. Halley’s background as a former stripper underscores the challenges they face in securing basic needs.

Moonee and Scooty's friendship grows stronger as they search for Dicky and invite Jancey to join in their adventures. A trip to the ice cream shop reveals their charm as they manage to gather spare change for a shared ice cream cone.

The children inadvertently witness a young couple check into their motel, mistakenly believing they booked a stay at the famous Magic Kingdom hotel next to Walt Disney World. This incident adds to the summer's theme of innocence and misunderstanding.

Throughout their summer vacation, the children engage in various innocent mischiefs, from peeking at sunbathers to causing chaos by shutting off the motel's power. These antics reflect their carefree spirits amidst their challenging living conditions.

As summer draws to a close, Dicky prepares to leave for New Orleans, marking a significant turning point in the children's summer adventures. His departure is filled with emotion, as he bids farewell to friends and gives away old toys, symbolizing their childhood.

Curiosity leads Moonee, Jancey, and Scooty into an abandoned house where a stolen lighter triggers a major fire. In their panic to evade responsibility, they rush home, revealing the dangerous ramifications of their innocent explorations.

The aftermath of the fire causes Scooty's mother to forbid him from spending time with Moonee, creating a rift in their once-close friendship. This separation emphasizes the harsh realities that sometimes intrude upon childhood innocence.

Facing dire financial straits, Halley resorts to selling perfume door-to-door and even prostitution to make ends meet. Her actions reflect the desperation many low-income families face, compounded by her need to protect Moonee.

Bobby, the motel manager, grows increasingly concerned about Halley's behavior and the welfare of Moonee. He attempts to navigate the precarious situation, caught between his responsibilities and the tumultuous lives of the residents.

The arrival of social services to assess Halley and Moonee's living conditions adds a layer of tension to their situation. This visit acts as a catalyst, forcing Halley to reconcile her struggles with the reality of their lifestyle.

In a moment of panic, Moonee attempts to escape her impending separation from Halley. She runs through the neighborhood seeking solace in her friendship with Jancey, reflecting her deep emotional connection to her mother amidst turmoil.

The film culminates in a poignant moment where Moonee and Jancey dart through Walt Disney, reaching the Magic Kingdom. This escape from their harsh realities symbolizes a fleeting moment of joy, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.