Moonlight

            So, it’s December again, which means two things: The Holidays are here, and just in time for Oscar films to reveal themselves to the public. However, this year has had quite a few films that not many people are making a definitive choice with what could be the definitive Best Picture frontrunner. So far, we’re down to three films that could take home the gold: “Moonlight,” “Manchester By the Sea,” and “La La Land.” Are these three worth all the hype? Well, let’s first discuss “Moonlight.”

            “Moonlight” tells the life story of a black kid, Chiron, as we see his life through his childhood, his adolescence, and his adulthood, and his interactions with his mother, a young couple that takes care of him, and his best friend who he has homosexual feelings for.

            At first glance, you’d assume the film was just a black version of Richard Linklater’s “Boyhood,” but when you sit through the whole film, you realize that it has a lot more to offer. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed “Boyhood,” but aside from the film’s gimmick of being filmed over the course of twelve years, and performances from Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette, it didn’t have much else going for it. My biggest problem with “Boyhood” is that the main character isn’t nearly as interesting as either his parents, and doesn’t really captivate me in what he’s going through.

This is where “Moonlight” differs. While it does have standout performances from its supporting cast, I felt investment with the protagonist, Chiron, and his struggles with how he should be defining himself in the kind of environment he lives in and the people surrounding him, both good and bad. The struggle of trying to fit into this world as a child, to puberty coming into play in his life, and how his life is in better check as an adult, is perfectly showcased through Barry Jenkins stellar directing, and the performances by all three actors that play Chiron. And the same is realized in through Chiron’s friend, Kevin. While he may not have as much of an in depth analysis as Chiron, you definitely feel like you have, every time he pops up on screen. He may have fallen down a different path, but similar feelings are felt within this character.

            I absolutely love the cast of this film, but there are two major standouts throughout the whole film. One is Mahershala Ali as Juan, a drug dealer that ends up being the male role model that Chiron has in his life. Every time he pops up on screen, he has such a welcoming and heartwarming approach to him that never escapes. While he may get funds for such foul jobs, it never seems like that, and makes you want to be around the guy, like he was a big brother to you. The other standout role is Naomie Harris as Chiron’s mom, who is a flat out bitch in this movie. Neglectful, abusive, addictive, and just an all-around terrible mother, but Chiron still has to deal with it, regardless. These two are frontrunners for the Best Supporting Oscars, but I feel like the major winner is going to be Ali, and well deserving of it.

            I have to say, I wasn’t expecting this film to be as good as it was, but I’m glad it was. “Moonlight” is a stand out film that is well deserving of its praise, and I’m wishing it the best this Oscar season. If you were disappointed with “Boyhood,” then give this film a watch and get the satisfaction that you were needing of.

Rating: 10/10

Next review: "Manchester by the Sea"