Review: Loving

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Brace yourselves for a whole lot of ugly coming at you from a never ending parade of stupid.

Richard and Mildred Loving (Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga) are an interracial couple in 1950's Virginia. They go to Washington DC to get married, only to be arrested after being caught in bed together because the marriage isn't "valid there." Eventually they are told to leave Virginia and not come back for 25 years. After Mildred writes to her senator, a lawyer from the ACLU (Nick Kroll) is assigned to their case and helps them get the justice they deserve.

It's amazing how relevant who you're married to still is today. Also amazing is that someone else's marriage isn't anyone but theirs business. That's what I wanted to scream at the screen while watching this. Director Jeff Nichols has always been good at telling stories about people in the South. Telling a true story is different for him, but it pays off with his vision.

Edgerton and Negga have so much chemistry. You absolutely believe they're in love. Their performances aren't showy in the least. In fact, it's about what they're holding back. Edgerton almost has to spit every word he says out. You know he has a lot to say, but doesn't have the words to say it. He just loves his wife, and wants to be left alone. Negga is different. Mildred is a loving, caring person who despite given several opportunities, she never says a bad word about anyone. In a different world, maybe she would be marching alongside others during the civil rights movement. But here, she's content and sees nothing wrong with who she loves. 

I'm ashamed to admit I didn't know very much about the Lovings before seeing this. I was only familiar with the ruling, reading the outcome of the family post hearing was a bit of a gut punch. Some things aren't fair. But like all of Nichols' films, this lovely little gem deserves to be seen. I hope the Oscars don't forget about it in light of the more quicker paced films. 

Recommended: Yes

Grade: B+

Memorable Quote: "Tell them I love my wife." - Richard Loving (Joel Edgerton)

Comments

  1. thevoid99December 14, 2016 at 5:27 PM

    I really want to see this as I'm a fan of Jeff Nichols film but it's not coming to my multiplex at the moment so I'll have to wait for it on TV or on DVD.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 14, 2016 at 9:07 PM

      I'm surprised mine got it considering it seems to be so little scene. It's wonderful though, I hope you like it when you do watch.

      Delete
  2. Candice FrederickDecember 15, 2016 at 12:43 AM

    I SERIOUSLY hope this gets Oscar attention!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 15, 2016 at 6:39 AM

      I do too and I'm starting to get nervous about it. I don't think enough people saw it.

      Delete

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