Hunger Games: the first reactions to Sunrise at the Harvest are excellent

Hunger Games: the first reactions to Sunrise at the Harvest are excellent

The prequel dedicated to Haymitch Abernathy impressed those who attended the first screenings, especially the performance of Joseph Zada. Some already see it as one of the great revealing roles of the year.

Revolt is brewing again in Panem.

Previewed in London last night, Hunger Games: Sunrise over the Harvest received very positive initial feedback. And one name comes up in almost all the reviews: Joseph Zada, recently seen in the series East of Eden on Netflixn, who plays young Haymitch, a character made famous by Woody Harrelson in the original saga.

Directed by Francis Lawrence, this new part takes place 24 years before the adventures of Katniss Everdeen. It recounts Haymitch’s participation in the 50th Hunger Games, a particularly cruel edition called the Second Atonement, or Quarter Quell. At his side, we will notably find Mckenna Grace and Ralph Fiennes. Released on November 18 in France.

For the critic of The Playlistthe film is downright “Rogue One/Andor of the Franchise”. He greets “a serious, yet powerful, story of devastating loss” and believes that Joseph Zada ​​is “a revelation”. The actor is described as “charismatic, endearing, tender and sincere”. The journalist also applauds the way Francis Lawrence captures “the galvanizing spark of the revolution”before concluding that the outcome constitutes “a real punch in the stomach”.


Same enthusiasm among Colliderwhich highlights the technical success of the film and its narrative “thrilling”. Here again, Joseph Zada ​​impresses: the critic confides having been several times “jaw on the ground” in front of his performance. She particularly salutes its ability to restore both “the warmth and charm of Haymitch” And “his rage and his sorrow”a balance that she considers remarkable.


Matt Neglia, editor-in-chief of Next Best Picturealso highlights the casting, which he considers one of the most successful of the year: “Many actors breathe new life into familiar characters, making them their own while preserving the qualities that made them so captivating in the first place”he writes. The critic particularly highlights the presence of Glenn Close, whom he describes as a real scene-stealer with her “face that gives you chills”as well as that of Jesse Plemons, who according to him finds the spirit of the immense Philip Seymour Hoffman, who died in 2014. But it is still Joseph Zada ​​who catches his attention: “He is absolutely impressive in an extremely demanding role, one that pushes him to his physical and emotional limits. He perfectly captures the essence of Haymitch, with all the compassion, charm and bitterness that Woody Harrelson brought to the character.”

Matt Neglia also takes the opportunity to salute the work of Francis Lawrence, who according to him continues to explore new facets of this universe, both thematically and stylistically. The sets and costumes are among the film’s great successes. And if the director were to leave the franchise after this episode, the critic believes that it would be a great way to conclude: “This final installment comes full circle with the character who has always been the beating heart of the saga.”


His colleague from Next Best PictureLauren LaMagna, shares this enthusiasm. “The rebellion ignites in SUNRISE ON THE REAPING. Francis Lawrence continues to breathe new life into this universe. The unique settings prevent familiar passages from becoming too repetitive. Joseph Zada ​​is moving and luminous in the role of Haymitch. It’s a role that reveals a star.”


Finally, Nina Starner, of Static Media, believes that the choice of Joseph Zada “couldn’t be better”. She describes the film as “a worthy addition to the franchise”which appears “terribly real” and perfectly links the original saga and The Ballad of the Serpent and the Songbird.


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