The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

The 2023 American dystopian action film, directed by Francis Lawrence and written by Michael Lesslie and Michael Arndt, is based on Suzanne Collins' novel "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes." Serving as a prequel to "The Hunger Games" and the fifth installment in the series, the film centers on young Coriolanus Snow, who lives with his cousin Tigris and grandmother in a dilapidated home. Aiming to restore his family's former glory, he becomes the mentor to Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from District 12, during the tenth annual Hunger Games. Lucy, a member of the nomadic Covey people, captivates audiences with her singing and charisma. Coriolanus endeavors to ensure that Panem remembers both Lucy and himself. The film explores their relationship, the trials within the arena, and the aftermath of victory. The world premiere took place on November 5, 2023, in Berlin, followed by a U.S. release on November 17, 2023. The film received mixed reviews from critics, who noted an overloaded narrative and lengthiness but praised the performances. With a budget of $100 million, the worldwide gross exceeded $348 million.