The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)
64 years before he becomes the tyrannical president of Panem, Coriolanus Snow sees a chance for a change in fortunes when he mentors Lucy Gray Baird, the female tribute from District 12.
Details
Budget
$100,000,000
Rating
7/10 (2941 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Lionsgate, Color Force, about:blank, Studio Babelsberg
About The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
Set 64 years before the events of the original *Hunger Games* films, *The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* explores the origins of Coriolanus Snow. The film follows a young Snow as he mentors Lucy Gray Baird, the District 12 tribute for the 10th annual Hunger Games. This prequel delves into the early development of the games themselves, as well as the political landscape that shapes Snow into the tyrannical leader he eventually becomes.
The narrative combines elements of drama, science fiction, action, and adventure, creating a dystopian setting that is both familiar and new to fans of the series. The story focuses on survival and the ethical dilemmas faced by characters within the brutal Capitol system. It also serves as an origin story for several key aspects of the Hunger Games lore.
Running at 157 minutes, the film provides a detailed look into the evolving nature of the games and the characters involved. Its themes include political intrigue, the struggle for power, and the complex relationship between mentor and tribute. The movie draws from the established universe while introducing new perspectives on its dark history.
Why you might be searching for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
People are often searching for this movie due to its connection to *The Hunger Games* franchise, particularly as a prequel exploring the backstory of President Snow. Searches also focus on its dystopian setting, themes of survival, and the unique addition of an origin story for a major villain. Interest often centers on how this film expands the existing lore and its take on the early Hunger Games.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found lead actor Tom Blyth's portrayal of Coryo to be a weak point, noting an uncanny resemblance to "Tom fella from Harry Potter" and limited facial expressions, despite acknowledging Rachel Zegler's energetic performance as Lucy Gray.
Read the full reviewA fan of the series praised this installment as one of the best, highlighting its darker and more political tone, strong casting, and music. They specifically mentioned how compelling Act III was in developing Coriolanus Snow's villain origin, making it suitable for fans of political dramas or character studies.
Read the full reviewA critical review described the film as too long with excessive, cringeworthy singing, finding the romance unbelievable and the Hunger Games sequences uninspired. The reviewer concluded the movie was boring and did not recommend it.
Read the full reviewOne reviewer enjoyed the film's strong start through the Hunger Games but felt it declined significantly in the latter half, describing a "nosedive" in pacing. They commended Tom Blyth's performance generally but noted even it suffered during the slower final act.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is available to rent on VOD in the U.S. and can be streamed on Apple TV. It was released on November 17, 2023. The movie has a runtime of 2 hours and 37 minutes.
No, "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" is not based on a true story. It is a dystopian film adapted from the 2020 novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins, serving as a prequel to "The Hunger Games" film series.
At the end of "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes," Coriolanus Snow and Lucy Gray Baird attempt to flee Panem. Snow discovers evidence that could implicate him in a murder, and Lucy Gray, distrustful of Snow, disappears into the woods after seemingly leaving a snake to bite him. Snow, enraged, shoots at her but she escapes. He then disposes of the incriminating evidence and returns to District 12, eventually making his way back to the Capitol. There, he poisons Dean Casca Highbottom, who had accused him of cheating in the Games and revealed that Snow's father was responsible for making the Hunger Games a reality. This act solidifies Coriolanus's path to becoming the tyrannical President Snow.
Critics have given "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" mixed to positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, 64% of 243 critics' reviews were positive, with an average rating of 6.4/10. Metacritic assigned it a score of 54 out of 100 based on 53 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews, with some noting that while the cast was outstanding, the ending felt rushed.