Appearing in most theaters in late October, the 2016 movie, Moonlight, showcases an unprecedented look at black masculinity and what it’s like to be gay in Miami. Following the life of Chiron, this three chaptered film provides a beautiful and intimate spotlight on the daily struggles of both Chiron and the people closest to him. It discusses drug addiction, the vitality of compassion, and the effects of hyper-masculinity on young, black men.
With nearly unanimous approval, Moonlight has proven itself to be a pivotal story that needs to be told.
The first chapter of this story illustrates the early years of Chiron’s life. Titled, “Little,” (Chiron’s nickname) this portion of the film introduces various issues of the story and the characters that accompany them. In this chapter, the unspoken secret of Little is bait to ridicule and brutal bullying. Alongside the challenge of ostracization from his peers, Chiron’s mother’s Crack addiction reigns a powerful hold on his childhood as well. It isn’t until local drug dealer Juan (played by Mahershala Ali) and Little’s soon best friend, Kevin (Jaden Piner), arrive when Little is introduced to the ideas of compassion and companionship.
Juan and his girlfriend, Teresa (played by Janelle Monae) symbolize the importance of listening, sympathy, and a strong mother/father role. The scene where Juan teaches Little how to swim (my personal favorite scene), shows the “spiritual transference” between the two strangers, as director Barry Jenkins describes, as well as an honest moment of pure love, stripped of stereotypes and personal judgment. Juan’s short-lived but potent presence in Chiron’s life teaches him that he is loved and not alone. This is important to mention because very little films have characters like Juan; a flawed human that can still remain flawed whilst radiating tenderness and kindness who’s placed in such a relatable role. Despite the stereotypes placed on black men, Juan aids in providing a positive role model for Litlle, and shows that not only are many black men present, but also caring.
To accompany Juan, his girlfriend Teresa is the epitome of a listener. Whether it was their first encounter, discussing what ‘gay’ meant, or assisting Chiron in his teen years, Teresa remained consistently present and empathetic. Despite his mother, Paula’s (Naomie Harris) absence, Teresa obtains an extremely strong role of nurturing Chiron throughout his life. Her character is vital in rebuilding trust in him as well as relating to other boys similar to Chiron to know that help and guidance aren’t exclusively fallacies.
First seen as a helpful peer, Kevin serves as the catalyst for Chiron’s enlightenment and growth. As the audience enters the second chapter, titled, “Chiron,” Kevin (now played by Jharrel Jerome) acts as a close friend to Chiron (Aston Sanders) and (spoiler alert) later his first sexual experience. What makes Kevin so crucial to the story is his sexual honesty and liberation while still staying in tune with his blackness, something usually shunned upon in the black community. He is a black, bisexual, teenage boy living in The South. Not only does he offer intimacy and honesty for Chiron, he does it without judgment and shame. When placed into the third and final installment, “Black,” Kevin (Andre Holland) once again slips back into the role of mentorship and honesty. As the movie draws to a close, he strips Chiron (nicknamed Black now, and played by Trevante Rhodes) of the harsh and rigid manner he’s built up over the years and cradles him in the same love Juan and Teresa had done before.
Originally published as the play, In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, written by Terell McCraney, Play-turned-film, Moonlight, demonstrates the vitality of unconditional love and fellowship all while being black.
Motifs of honesty, compassion, and beauty follow every character to their final scenes, leaving an eternal stamp on the audience. In contrast to the gorgeous scenery, the heavy and sometimes ugly truths of Liberty City shine through, creating a captivating spell on all who watch it. Moonlight is not only a film for this generation, but for all that follow. If you haven’t experienced the movie, I recommend you do immediately.
