SuppliedMoonlight
Directed by Barry Jenkins
Starring Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Janelle Monáe, Ashton Sanders, Jharrel Jerome, Naomie Harris, and Mahershala Ali
Opening October 21st
A culturally significant film for the ages, Moonlight is a transcendent, transfixing character piece on self-identification. It explores one of the most important (and difficult) questions we as humans could ever try and answer: “Who am I?” For a sexually confused African-American young man named Chiron, the question couldn’t be harder to answer.
From childhood to young adulthood, Chiron is conflicted with his feelings and the people around him. It isn’t until a chance encounter with a drug dealer, Juan (played by a brilliant Mahershala Ali), that young Chiron gets a taste of guidance and reassurance. He finds a quiet comfort in Juan, one which he doesn’t get from his addiction-riddled mother (a terrifyingly good Naomie Harris). The relationship developed between the two unlikely friends is one of the film’s greatest moments.
The movie’s told in three parts, with Alex Hibbert playing child Chiron, Ashton Sanders in his adolescence, and Travante Rhodes in young adulthood. Chiron’s a man of few words, but what the actors are able to communicate without them is masterful — all three embody Chiron perfectly, with emotionally rich, and enthralling performances.
One of the movie’s greatest breakthroughs is how it accomplishes so much on such a small scale. Writer-director Barry Jenkins deftly tells Chiron’s story through moments, and with so few words. His brilliance and tenderness behind the camera is a wonder to behold, as this is only his second film (the other being Medicine for Melancholy). The aesthetic of the film is absolutely gorgeous, thanks to cinematographer James Laxton. The gentle levels of colour create a mood and atmosphere that’s simple yet breathtaking. Oscar nods are in store for the both of them.
It’s hard to proclaim an artist’s magnum opus so early in their career, but Moonlight may just be that. It’s filled with pitch-perfect performances, though-provoking themes, stunning visuals, and a cultural uniqueness, and importance that will be talked about for years to come. It wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if Moonlight doesn’t win every Academy Award it’s nominated for, but it would be a crime for it not to win a single one. #OscarsSoWhite is thankfully, and finally, Oscars no more.
Moonlight will open theatrically on October 21st.
