Plot – In rural 1977 Georgia, a misfit girl dreams of life in outer space. When a competition offers her a chance to be recorded on NASA’s Golden Records, she recruits a makeshift troop of Birdie Scouts, forging friendships that last a lifetime – Troop Zero.
Director – Bert, Bertie (Bert & Bertie)
Starring – Mckenna Grace, Viola Davis, Jim Gaffigan
Released – January 2020
Chances are you will have seen some version of this film before, a group of quirky children band together to achieve their goals despite any hardships that come their way, however, this doesn’t mean delight can’t be found in watching a familiar tale, especially if it is as filled with sweet and heartwarming moments and inspiring drama as Troop Zero happens to be.
To begin with, I need to talk about the performance of Mckenna Grace; I loved her performance in both The Haunting of Hill House and Gifted, but here as Christmas Flint, she is front and centre, transmitting so much charisma and likeable innocence throughout the film that you can’t help but hope events work out in her and her friends.
While Troop Zero’s main focus is most assuredly the trials and tribulations of the children, Viola Davis proves to be excellent as the adult who’s forced into helping the group of children achieve their dreams. This is different from anything I’ve seen her in before, but she manages perfectly to bring warm and genuine quality to the character of Miss Rayleen and adding a little quality to the supporting cast.
There are moments in Troop Zero that are aimed firmly at a younger audience, including moments of ‘gross-out comedy’ however it still manages to be an effortlessly likeable film wrapped around a message of inclusivity, that can be enjoyed by ages young and old.
If you liked: The Book Thief, Jojo Rabbit, Little Monsters
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