2016 Films: #22. Moonlight

November 20th in Chicago, IL. Written and directed by Barry Jenkins, the film is broken off in three parts to tell the story of Chiron from elementary school through early adulthood. Part one deals with Chiron (played by Alex Hibbert) as a shy and meek elementary schooler. He is nicknamed "Little" for his size and quiet demeanor. He lives with his mother (brilliantly played by Naomie Harris) and lives a tough life to say the least. He's bullied and his mom isn't around but he's befriended by Juan (Mahershala Ali), a drug dealer, who eventually looks after him and gives him a much needed male influence in his life. "Little's" only real friend is Kevin (Jaden Piner) and the two form a nice friendship. His mom is a bit of an absentee parent so he tends to seek solace with Juan and Theresa (Janelle Monáe).

Part II deals with Chiron (now played by Ashton Sanders) as a high school student. His home life is still bad, Juan is dead but he still hangs out with Theresa. Kevin is still his only friend. Chiron is targeted by a bully for being meek and possibly gay. Chiron has a sexual awakening with Kevin, his only friend, but the bully gets Kevin to beat Chiron up. It was a distressing scene to watch considering Kevin is Chiron's only friend in school. No one else gives him the time of day. The segment ends with Chiron getting arrested after taking out the bully (because they always catch the retaliatory act, rarely the instigation).

Part III is about Chiron's (Trevante Rhodes) life after incarceration. Now known as "Black," Chiron is now a drug dealer along the lines of Juan. He lives outside Atlanta and emulates Juan. He gets frequent calls from his mother, she's trying to reconcile, but also gets a call from Kevin. Kevin works at diner in Miami after a stint in jail. Chiron travels to Miami and reconciles with his mother and visits Kevin at the diner.

Normally this isn't a picture I'd go to the theatre to see but I am very glad I did because people need to see films out of their norm. This film doesn't have an end, it is an on-going story. Kevin apologizes to Chiron and the hang out together but who knows what happens after that. Life goes on. For me, Jenkins painted a picture of bleakness that probably affects an untold amount of kids all over America. There's a realism to the film that doesn't always see the light of day. The performances were excellent all around. Moonlight is a really good film that is worth watching. The film packs a lot into it's 111 minute run time but I was never bored. The subject matter may not be for everyone but if you have an open mind then check it out.