Review: Moonlight

Who are you?

Moonlight follows a boy named Chiron in three parts. When he's a child who goes by Little (Alex R. Hibbert) and finds refuge with a couple, Juan and Teresa (Mahershala Ali and Janelle Monáe) that he looks up to. Then, when he's a shy teenager who doesn't like being called by any name other than Chiron. (Ashton Sanders) After an incident there, we meet him again as an adult who goes by Black (Trevante Rhodes) when he gets a call from a childhood friend Kevin (André Holland as an adult) that changes everything.

Watching Chiron is a very sad experience. He's gay, but he can't show it living in the predominantly black neighborhood in Florida. He's constantly teased for not being tough and his only relief seems to come from meeting Juan. A moment with Kevin made me want to cry for him, when Chiron admits he cries so much at times. It's hard to watch anyone who has to hide who they really are.

The film is beautifully shot (though a few spinning camera techniques could've been dropped) It's subtly bathed in colors that seem to enhance Chiron in every scene mixed in with a wonderful use of classical music. The acting is tremendous all around. It's hard for me to choose which Chiron actor I thought was the best. They're all brilliant, but Rhodes has this moment where he is speaking to Kevin on the phone and for a second looks like he's going to cry, but sucks it back up to keep his "tough" image and it's absolutely incredible to watch. 

If the film had a fault, it's the ending, which was way to abrupt. I wanted it to keep going. I wasn't done with watching Chiron yet. I didn't want it to end.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: A

Memorable quote: "I know you can keep a secret." - Kevin age 16 (Jharrel Jerome)