Critics hail 'Sunrise on the Reaping' as a franchise peak

The sixth installment of the Hunger Games franchise premiered this week, and early responses from film journalists are overwhelmingly positive. Critics are describing the new prequel as a standout entry that revitalizes the series after the 2023 release of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The film is based on Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel and is set 24 years before the events of the first movie.

Griffin Schiller, a film critic, drew comparisons between the new film and the Star Wars spinoff series, specifically citing Rogue One and Andor. He described the story as sobering yet powerful, focusing on devastating loss and the necessary cost of rebellion for a sunrise that may never arrive. Schiller stated that he could not have asked for a better adaptation of the book, which he noted is a personal favorite within the series.

Gavin Spoors, editor-in-chief of Filmhounds Magazine, highlighted the third act of the movie. He called that section stellar and said it pulls the rug out underneath the audience. Writing on X, Spoors characterized the film as an emotional thriller that addresses the cost of revolution and the need for every person to play a part. He specifically noted that Joseph Zada is a star.

Matt Neglia, editor-in-chief of Next Best Picture, praised the casting choices in the film. He called it one of the best casting efforts of the year and identified Glenn Close as a scene-stealer. Neglia also noted that Jesse Plemons captures the spirit of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. He described Zada as beyond impressive in a role that demands physical and emotional intensity, adding that the actor captures the sympathy, charm, and bitterness that Woody Harrelson brought to the character of Haymitch.

Neglia credited director Francis Lawrence with finding new layers within a familiar structure. He also pointed to the production and costume design as standouts of the film. Lauren LaMagna, another editor at Next Best Picture, wrote that the rebellion is sparking. She called Zada heartbreakingly radiant in what she described as a star is born role.

Perri Nemiroff of Collider said that Zada was one of the biggest highlights of the film. She noted that she had high hopes for the actor after seeing him in We Were Liars. Nemiroff stated that his blend of warmth and charm with the rage and heartbreak sparked by the Games is superb. She added that much of the film rests on his shoulders and that the previous prequel encouraged her to rewatch the original films.

Nina Starner of Static Media said Zada's casting could not be better. She called the movie a worthy addition that looks and feels terrifyingly real. Starner noted that the film bridges the gap between the original stories and the previous prequel. The cast includes Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Maya Hawke as Wiress, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee.

The film follows a young Haymitch, played by Zada, as he takes over the role from Harrelson. He fights to survive in the 50th Hunger Games. Mckenna Grace, Glenn Close, and Whitney Peak are among those playing new characters to the franchise. The story leads into a flash-forward epilogue featuring the original trio, a structure readers are familiar with from the source novel.

Jennifer Lawrence, who returns as Katniss, spoke about the experience on the Call Her Daddy podcast. She called reprising the role unbelievable and said the same crew was back, including an assistant director she has worked with many times. Lawrence described the reunion with Josh Hutcherson and Harrelson as so emotional. The film opens in theaters on Nov. 20 from Lionsgate.