Watch The Light of the Moon

The Light of the Moon is a powerful drama film that tells the story of Bonnie, a successful architect living in New York City whose life is forever changed after she is sexually assaulted on her way home from a night out with friends. Starring Stephanie Beatriz in the lead role, the film masterfully explores the complex emotional aftermath of sexual assault and the toll it takes on both the survivor and those around them.

As Bonnie struggles to come to terms with what has happened to her, the film takes a raw and uncompromising look at the difficult realities of rape culture in modern society, examining the ways in which survivors are often blamed and shamed for the crimes committed against them. Bonnie's journey is an emotional rollercoaster, as she grapples with feelings of guilt, shame, and fear while navigating a maze of confusing emotions and difficult decisions.

Throughout the film, we see how Bonnie's difficult journey affects those closest to her, from her devoted boyfriend Matt (played by Conrad Ricamora) to her loving Puerto Rican mother (Olga Merediz) and close circle of friends. Their reactions to her assault highlight the various ways in which people can be supportive or insensitive to survivors of sexual violence, and add an important layer of depth to the film's exploration of this difficult topic.

What sets The Light of the Moon apart from other films that deal with sexual assault is its unflinching honesty and nuanced exploration of the many complex emotions involved. Bonnie's journey is not a clean, linear progression towards healing, but a messy, painful process that reflects the reality of trauma and its aftermath. The film also takes care to explore the many ways in which sexual assault affects different people differently, whether they are the survivor or those around them.

At the heart of the film is Stephanie Beatriz's powerful performance as Bonnie, which is both raw and nuanced in equal measure. Beatriz brings emotional depth and vulnerability to the role, making Bonnie a fully-realized character whose struggles feel authentic and relatable. Her performance is complemented by the strong supporting cast, who all deliver nuanced and emotionally-charged performances throughout the film.

Director Jessica M. Thompson, who also wrote the screenplay, shows a deft hand in crafting a film that is both sensitive and powerful, navigating the difficult subject matter with honesty and care. Her direction is unobtrusive and understated, allowing the powerful performances and complex emotions of the characters to take center stage. The film's cinematography is equally impressive, with a naturalistic and unassuming visual style that captures the gritty reality of urban life.

The Light of the Moon is an important film that offers a frank and powerful exploration of the complex issue of sexual assault. It is a film that is difficult to watch, but one that is absolutely essential for anyone seeking to better understand the realities of trauma and its aftermath. With its honest and nuanced portrayal of the difficult emotions involved, the film is a must-see for anyone interested in powerful and thought-provoking cinema.

The Light of the Moon is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 76.