Watch Moonlight
- R
- 2016
-
7.4 (336,819)
Moonlight is a coming-of-age drama film that was released in 2016. The movie was written and directed by Barry Jenkins and it stars Mahershala Ali, Trevante Rhodes, and Naomie Harris. The film tells the story of a young black man named Chiron, who is growing up in Miami. Throughout the movie, we see Chiron at three different stages of his life: as a young child, as a teenager, and as a young adult. The film explores Chiron's experiences growing up in a predominantly black, low-income neighborhood and his struggles with identity, self-acceptance, and family relationships.
The movie is divided into three distinct parts, each one focusing on a different stage of Chiron's life. In the first section, Chiron is a young boy who is already grappling with the harsh realities of the world around him. His mother is addicted to drugs, and he frequently finds himself bullied at school. It is during this time that he befriends a local drug dealer named Juan, played by Mahershala Ali. Juan becomes something of a father figure to Chiron and provides him with the guidance and support he needs to navigate his difficult circumstances.
The second section of the film takes place when Chiron is a teenager. At this point, his mother's addiction has worsened, and his relationship with Juan has become strained. Chiron is also grappling with his own sexuality, and this section of the film explores his struggles with his burgeoning feelings and the societal pressures that come with being a black, gay man.
In the third and final section of the film, Chiron is a young adult who has moved away from Miami and is now living in Georgia. He has adopted a new identity and is living a different life, but the past is never far behind him, and he is forced to confront some difficult truths about himself and his past.
One of the most striking things about Moonlight is its starkly beautiful visual style. The film is shot in a muted, almost dreamlike palette, which gives the movie a haunting, ethereal quality. This, combined with Jenkins' thoughtful, understated direction, helps to create an atmosphere of quiet, contemplative reflection that perfectly suits the film's themes and subject matter.
Another standout feature of the movie is its exceptional cast. Mahershala Ali delivers a powerful performance as Juan, bringing depth and complexity to a character who could have easily been reduced to a stereotype. Trevante Rhodes also shines as the adult Chiron, bringing a quiet intensity to the role that is both mesmerizing and heartbreaking.
Overall, Moonlight is a stunning, affecting film that explores identity, love, and family in a way that is both raw and insightful. It is a deeply personal story that manages to be both specific and universal, and it is a testament to the power of art to move and transform us.
In conclusion, Moonlight is a heartfelt coming-of-age story with striking visuals and exceptional performances. It is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, reflective cinema.
Moonlight is a 2016 drama. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 99.