"The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" is "The Hunger Games" prequel about Coriolanus Snow's rise to power and presidency over the republic of Panem. We see him as a young idealist, unspoiled, ambitious, and driven by the aspiration to provide for his impoverished family. In order to survive in politics and to have any importance, he needs to play by the cruel rules he initially disagrees with.
The movie offers an interesting insight into the future dictator's character, portraying him as an exceptionally intelligent individual who strategically and calculatedly navigates his circumstances to avoid becoming a victim. Beautifully portrayed by Tom Blyth, Coriolanus Snow progresses from a pawn to a king at a personal cost, leaving emotions and sentiments behind. When we meet him years later, we never expect that at some point in his life, he was just like anybody else—hopeful, a bit naive, and in love.
Agnes Prygiel, 13/12.2023