In Which I Become a Casting Director and a Set Designer...

This book deserves a movie. It is perfect for a film adaptation. I would dare to say there would be no need for rewrites, no cuts, no add-ins, nothing! In my eyes, it is cinema ready. So, I am taking it upon myself to develop this film. 

For starters, the novel is already incredibly visual. The title created an image in my head immediately. It gives a spiritual vibe, almost like crystals, astrology, and candles. I was picturing a goblet of a glowing, milky liquid, silver rings on long, slender fingers, and lots of the color purple. What I got was a little bit more majestic like silky, black curls, threads of starlight, and silver and blue strands of magic. 

A set design would be laid out fairly quickly with the author's imagery. We see Kelly Barnhill's wonderful world building starting as early as page 4 where she describes the Protectorate residing between a dark, foreboding forest and a large bog filled with Zirin flowers throughout the year. We even get a precursor to what lives on the other side of the forest with the mention of Traders and the Free Cities. She also manages to clue the readers in on the state of the people and the class imbalance of the population while describing the Bog and the plants within it. Sinkholes, hot mud pots and poisonous air are all things that plague the "treacherous forest" as well. These would make super great, suspenseful items in a movie and would add dimension to just how terrifying this forest possibly is. 

This book would have a wonderful cast due to the specificity in character personality and physicality. The character description is detailed, thorough, and paints the picture in your head for you. My favorite example of this is the first character we meet, aside from the anonymous italicized voices, Grand Elder Gherland. The layers he has as a character are quite interesting to watch unfold. The first layer is seen when he is getting ready for the grand occasion that is the Day of Sacrifice,

 "He carefully dabbed rouge on his sagging cheeks and lined his eyes with thick streaks of kohl. He checked his teeth in the mirror, ensuring they were free of debris or goop," (Barnhill 3).

 This created an image of a proud, extravagant, and most likely pompous man. This is confirmed when a personality trait was revealed, "Nothing gave Gherland more pleasure than the possession of a thing that was unique unto him. He liked being special," (Barnhill 3). The actors who came to mind that would be perfect for this role were, Billy Porter and Jeff Goldblum. They both would do a great job of embodying the flamboyant, stern, but secretly caring nature of Gherland. We can see his more loving side on page 49 after he warns Antain to start following the Elders' wishes, Antain does not and misses another Day of Sacrifice, which leads Gherland to think, "What have you done, you foolish child? What have you done?" (Barnhill 49). 

The last thing I think makes this book silver screen ready is the switches between perspectives of characters. This would make it easier to see what characters are thinking and what their true motives are in their respective storylines. Also, as the movie draws to it's conclusion, the intertwining crossovers between characters would create scenes shown from multiple perspectives intriguing the audience and making sure any loose ends would be tied up. 

I would love to see this book as a movie one day! If it were to happen, I would be first in line to buy a ticket. I do wonder though if my choices and interpretations would be different than what the author intended. I might be a bit heartbroken if I do not see Billy Porter calling an infant an ingrate as it drools on him, or if I do not see Jeff Goldblum artfully swishing his robes. I guess I will have to ask Ms. Barnhill what her plans are...