Moonlight (2016)

“I’m me man. I ain’t trying to be nothing else.”

What’s it about?

The story of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighbourhood of Miami.

Who’s in it?

Remy Danton, Janelle Monáe, and new Moneypenny.

Why should I watch it?

+ It’s a coming of age story about a kid trying to find himself in a dark, drug-filled world
+ Teaches us that we can overcome our environment and make something out of ourselves
+ It was a pretty bad environment, full of drugs and crime
+ But what environment isn’t?
+ Miami was depicted with a great degree of realism which made it feel like you were there.
+ The film masterfully used colour and music to set the mood of scenes
+ It was very emotional but it never felt forced or fake
+ Characters were deep and dialogue was deep
+ You have to focus on the other details such as what was said and wasn’t said and the way characters looked at each other
+ Chiron’s journey was gripping from beginning to end
+ He was likable and relatable which is hard to do with 3 different actors playing each stage of his life
+ The performances by Mahershala Ali, Janelle Monáe. and Naomie Harris were excellent.
+ Especially Harris who played Chiron’s drug addicted mother Paula
+ She went from loving, to desperate, to downright nasty very quickly as her addiction worsened

Why shouldn’t I watch it?

– If you have been peer-pressured or bullied
– If you love your mother
– If you’re offended by the n-word or other colourful language
– The ending is abrupt and may leave some people wanting more

Anything else?

This was a compelling coming of age story which was beautifully shot and very immersive. It was easy to feel with Chiron along his journey to find his place in the world. A great script and great performances, along with its direction will deservedly attract award consideration as well. This won’t be the last you will hear of this movie for sure.

9.5/10

You might also like:
Boyhood
Boyz n the Hood

For more, don’t forget to check me out (not literally) at keithlovesmovies.com.