Moonlight Illuminates Film World
Little, Chiron, Black: A young man deals with his sexuality, finding himself and coming of age in the neon-soaked Miami flick that is Moonlight.
“Who is you, man?”
These are the first words in Moonlight, a different coming of age film in America’s long history of films like Stand By Me and Boyhood.
Gone are the days where upper middle class white kids traverse through narratives of growing up, heartbreak and friendship. Moonlight instead throws those problems at the direction of a different kind of protagonist in a radically different setting.
Instead of middle America we get Miami. Well, three decades of Miami, seen through the eyes of a young, black gay man.
And this isn’t the Miami that was so gloriously covered with mountains of cocaine through the early 80s like in Scarface. Instead, it’s a neon-soaked version of my city.
Miami is home to the protagonist, known as “Little,” “Chiron” and “Black” throughout three decades of his life. Growing up in a decidedly rough part of the city is no easy task as he struggles with poverty and sexuality throughout the film.
The rest of the supporting cast does a serviceable job, though the two standout performances out of the secondary characters make this film something special.
André Holland portraying Chiron’s friend, Kevin, is an Oscar worthy performance. The friendship between the two is unlike anything seen in films, escalating to a moment of pure awe.
Mahershala Ali as Juan also gives a noteworthy performance. A father figure/mentor, his guidance gets Chiron through (and occasionally into) trouble. He’s less like an Obi-Wan and more like a Mickey from Rocky. It’s a subtle and understated performance that, again, generates Oscar worthy buzz.
Barry Jenkins’ screenplay is well written, but it’s the quiet parts of the film that speak the loudest. Those are the moments that make this film an American classic.
Read those words carefully. An American classic. Now, no film in the last few years has made me think that since the release of Django Unchained in 2012.
That’s saying a lot, considering this story must be alienating to some. A great movie doesn’t necessarily have to be relatable (see Empire Strikes Back and The Big Lebowski) but a relatable movie can be great.
At its heart, Moonlight is a rare film that questions the meaning of friendship and acceptance. Those looking for an unflinching and relentless work of art, should look no further than Moonlight.
