Spring Breakers was an artistic, fluent and well-textured film. It was concise in its points and atmosphere, helmed by respected independent film-maker Harmony Korine. The film wasn’t one that required a sequel. Its conclusion was satisfying and not overly involved with its characters, more the situation they become involved in. Regardless, ScreenDaily is reporting Spring Breakers: The Second Coming, with Jonas Akerlund (Small Apartments) set to direct a script written by author Irvine Welsh (Filth).
An immediate thought is whether the film will stay truthful to the original, particularly Harmony Korine’s aim to not glorify his characters, crime or violence. Of what’s known of the story, the logline describes it as ‘the Spring Breakers doing battle with an extreme militant Christian sect that attempts to convert them’. With Irvine Welsh attached to write the script, it’s a fair guess it’ll be well written. One could also assume it might surprise our expectations from the first instalment, as Welsh’s material tends to be crude, rude and generally outrageous.
Another aspect to think about is the lack of an immediate audience for the film. Fans of the original may not be interested due to a lack of Harmony Korine, as it was very well received by fans of the auteur’s work. Others may miss the sequel, as they think the original failed to deliver what the marketing campaign promised. Another issue is a lack of cast, as story coherence would imply most of the characters won’t be returning, even if they desire to. This sequel seems like an oddball, but the potential is still there with Akerlund and Welsh on board.
Originally published May 7, 2014. Updated April 12, 2018.
