Moonlight
Synopsis
Three time periods - young adolescence, mid-teen and young adult - in the life of black-American Chiron is presented. When a child, Chiron lives with his single, crack addict mother Paula in a crime ridden neighborhood in Miami. Chiron is a shy, withdrawn child largely due to his small size and being neglected by his mother, who is more concerned about getting her fixes and satisfying her carnal needs than taking care of him. Because of these issues, Chiron is bullied, the slurs hurled at him which he doesn't understand beyond knowing that they are meant to be hurtful. Besides his same aged Cuban-American friend Kevin, Chiron is given what little guidance he has in life from a neighborhood drug dealer named Juan, who can see that he is neglected, and Juan's caring girlfriend Teresa, whose home acts as a sanctuary away from the bullies and away from Paula's abuse. With this childhood as a foundation, Chiron may have a predetermined path in life, one that will only be magnified in terms of its problems when he reaches his difficult teen years when peer pressure affects what he and many of his peers do, unless he follows Juan's advice of truly making his own decisions for himself.
Critical Acclaim
Upon its release in 2016, Moonlight was met with widespread critical acclaim and quickly established itself as a landmark in contemporary cinema. Critics lauded director Barry Jenkins for his sensitive and profound storytelling, which vividly captured the complexities of identity and the human experience. The film's exploration of race, sexuality, and masculinity resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, marking it as a poignant and necessary narrative in modern film.
A.O. Scott of The New York Times described Moonlight as "a beautiful film" that "achieves a rare and special kind of greatness." Richard Lawson of Vanity Fair praised the film for its "radical empathy" and its ability to tell "a story that is uniquely, specifically black, yet feels somehow universal and accessible to everyone." As of now, Moonlight holds a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, underscoring its enduring critical consensus. The film's evocative use of color and music, combined with powerful performances from its ensemble cast, has been a focal point of its continued praise.
Moonlight's impact extends beyond its critical reception, solidifying its legacy with significant cultural and industry influence. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture, making it the first film with an all-black cast and the first LGBTQ-themed film to win this prestigious honor. The film's success has opened doors for more diverse storytelling in Hollywood, inspiring filmmakers and audiences to embrace narratives that challenge traditional norms. Its inclusion in numerous "best of" lists by publications such as Time and The Guardian further cements its place as a vital piece of cinematic history.
Track your movie viewing progress at Your Watchlists