"Moonlight" Movie Review

photo fair use from indiewire.com

About once a year, a film comes along that I like to honor with the word “genuine.” A genuine film is one that is unrivaled in its humanity—they are few and far between and possess a special, affectionate realism. They remind us why movies are made and, more importantly, what it means to be alive. Writer and director Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight is one such film.

Split into three chapters, Moonlight follows the life a young black man named Chiron (brilliantly portrayed by Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes) as he struggles to grow up gay in a tough Miami neighborhood. His harsh, drug-addict mother (Naomi Harris) only makes life more difficult for Chiron, who deals with bullies on a daily basis. The only source of levity in his life seems to be from Juan (a phenomenal Mahershala Ali), a drug dealer turned father figure, and his partner Teresa (Janelle Monáe).

Like many films before it, Moonlight isn’t about plot so much as it’s about its protagonist. Jenkins effortlessly paints Chiron in such detail that the character we see on screen is as complex as a real person. All three actors do an exceptional job at showing his constant inner turmoil. Subtle body language is key here; a slouched head, a nervous stare, and an overall gentle demeanor are shared by each actor, with Sanders also embracing his backpack against his chest as a simple but effective source of comfort. Juan is similarly intricate as he is forced to reconsider his lifestyle after taking in a young Chiron, and Ali does wonders with the role (a Best Supporting Actor nomination is more than warranted).

The film is beautifully shot by James Laxton and sharply edited by Nat Sanders and Joi McMillon—the story progresses at a brisk pace without ever losing any of its effectiveness. Additionally, the musical score by Nicholas Britell is a fantastic throwback to classical music and a welcome change of pace from the hip hop soundtracks that usually accompany films with similar subject matter.

However, it’s Jenkins who makes the biggest impression by directing the film with unwavering confidence and the utmost restraint. Jenkins never draws attention away from Chiron’s journey with flamboyant stylistic choices, yet he still gives Moonlight the most amazing sense of intimacy.

Moonlight is quite a special movie. It’s one of those films that somehow manages to be incredibly effective despite its small, tender appearance. Moonlight is a remarkable character study with an outstanding ensemble cast and powerful writing. It’s poetic, touching, and so, so sincere—the rare film best described as genuine, and the best movie of 2016 thus far.