If you’re expecting a great story, you’ve picked the right movie. Moonlight is about the life of Chiron “Little” (Alex Hibbert) from the age of 6 through adulthood. He grew up with an abusive, junkie mother, Paula (Naomie Harris) and no father. His only friends were Kevin (Jaden Piner), who he grew attached to and Juan (Mahershala Ali), a grown man and crack dealer, who takes Chiron to his house where he lives with his girlfriend, Teresa (Janelle Monáe). Chiron was bullied terribly as a little boy all the way up though adolescence, about the age of high school. One day Chiron as a teenager, (Ashton Sanders) who was frequently bullied by Terrel (Patrick Decile), changed all that. Obviously, he was surrounded by some of the most deplorable situations imaginable, but managed to beat the odds. I can only say Moonlight is profound and touching. It digs deep into the life of an unusual situation one would not necessarily know how to deal with since adult Chiron, now known as Black (Trevante Rhodes) is dealing with so many issues at once. Black’s character changes somewhat during the years but he continues to remain shy. We could see what a strain it was for Black to act normal, as he came off quite uncomfortable.
This story is softly and delicately told. Of course I’ve left the best of the story out of this critique, as it would spoil any surprises and motivation to see it away. Directed by Barry Jenkins, I say it’s a job well done. I highly recommend Moonlight to all adults, as it has already won a Golden Globe for Best Picture. Check it out!
[MOONLIGHT has WON the 89th ANNUAL OSCAR AWARD for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor and Adapted Screenplay. Moonlight was also nominated for Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Cinematography, Film Editing and Original Score]
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