Salvation Mountain: "Spring Breakers" Sequel in Development
The film is aimed at a younger target group
More than a decade after Harmony Korine's controversial and pop-culturally influential "Spring Breakers ", the scandalous film is now being given a sequel: "Spring Breakers 2: Salvation Mountain" is officially in development, according to industry magazine Variety.
While James Franco, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Benson played the leading roles in part 1, the sequel will feature new faces. Bella Thorne, Ariel Martin, Grace Van Dien and True Whitaker will embody a group of young women who get caught up in a dangerous adventure during their spring break. The film is described as a "bold new journey for Generation Z" – an indication that the movie is likely to be thematically and visually geared towards a younger target group. This time, the director is not Harmony Korine himself, but Matthew Bright, known for dark independent projects such as "Freeway".
Producers Chris Hanley and Jordan Gertner, who were already in charge of "Spring Breakers" in 2012, are also producing "Salvation Mountain". In an official statement, they both expressed their enthusiasm:
"We're thrilled to be working with Christian and Capture on "Spring Breakers: Salvation Mountain" and excited to keep exploring bold, new, disruptive stories around that wild, fever dream of youth. The desire for spring break to go on forever is something we've never let go of."
"Spring Breakers" caused a sensation primarily due to its freedom of movement and aesthetic staging. Franco as the crazy gangster "Alien", hypnotic electro beats, provocative images and socio-critical undertones made the film a crowd-puller despite – or perhaps because of – its controversy. With a budget of just five million US dollars , it grossed over 30 million dollars.
A sequel called "Spring Breakers: The Second Coming" was announced back in 2014, which was to revolve around a confrontation with Christian extremists. It was to be directed by Jonas Åkerlund. However, the project failed and finally fell into oblivion in 2017 – and a planned digital series also never came to fruition. A release date for "Spring Breakers: Salvation Mountain" has yet to be set.
Film Tips in the Style of Spring Breakers: Garish, Wild and Dangerously Seductive
Harmony Korine's "Spring Breakers" (2012) is a film that polarizes – garish, sexy, surreal and deeply socially critical. Amidst fluorescent colors, electro beats and excessive partying, a story about youthful rebellion, emptiness and the pursuit of freedom unfolds. Anyone looking for similar movies that strike this dark, stylized and provocative tone will find what they are looking for in the world of arthouse cinema and controversial independent films. Here are some movie tips that fans of "Spring Breakers" might love!
The Bling Ring (2013) – Director: Sofia Coppola
Based on true events, "The Bling Ring" tells the story of a teenage gang from L.A. that robbed celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. The film is a fascinating look at narcissism, fame and consumerism in the social media era. With its cold glamor, hypnotic score and detached narrative style, it is strongly reminiscent of "Spring Breakers" – only without the machine guns, but with at least as much criticism of the superficiality of pop culture.
Thirteen (2003) – Director: Catherine Hardwicke
A more realistic but no less intense look at teenagers sinking into a spiral of rebellion, drugs and self-destruction. "Thirteen" shows how quickly youthful innocence can turn into destructiveness – as harrowing as it is honest. Anyone who liked "Spring Breakers" for its uncompromising portrayal of youthful loss of control will be emotionally picked up here.
Kids (1995) – Director: Larry Clark
Perhaps the most obvious tip, "Kids" was written by none other than Harmony Korine himself. The film is considered a milestone in controversial youth cinema. It is about a group of New York teenagers stumbling through sex, drugs and indifference – without any moralizing. "Kids" is raw, unembellished and as shocking as it is groundbreaking.
Enter the Void (2009) – Director: Gaspar Noé
If you liked the visual intensity and hallucinogenic style of "Spring Breakers", "Enter the Void" is a must-see. The movie tells the story of a young drug dealer in Tokyo – from a first-person perspective and partly after his death. Colors, light, sound – everything seems like an endless intoxication. Gaspar Noé creates a visual trip experience that is almost hypnotic.
Assassination Nation (2018) – Director: Sam Levinson
Four high school girls fight for survival in a fictional US small town after the private data of an entire community is leaked. The film is brutal, stylish, feminist and highly political. With its aggressive aesthetic, garish color palette and social critique, "Assassination Nation" is like a modern, bloodier sister of "Spring Breakers".
Good Time (2017) – Director: Safdie Brothers
"Good Time" features Robert Pattinson in one of his best roles as a petty criminal trying to save his brother after a failed bank robbery. Neon colors, a driving synth soundtrack, rush, desperation – the movie is like a feverish nightmare and atmospherically a perfect addition to Korine's universe.
Conclusion
"Spring Breakers" is more than just a stylish movie – it is a commentary on consumer society, a youth culture living on the edge. Anyone looking for this mix of aesthetics, taboo-breaking and social criticism will find it in movies such as "The Bling Ring", "Assassination Nation" or "Enter the Void". These films show: the intoxication, rebellion and dark sides of youth are an endless source of radical, intense cinema.
