Moonlight (January 2017)

Official Australian release date: 26/1/17. Viewed: 21/1/17.

Director: Barry Jenkins

Actors: Trevante Rhodes, Andrew Holland, Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris

Genre: Drama

Rating: M

‘Moonlight’ is the story of Chiron, a small African-American child growing up in the poorer neighbourhoods of Miami. It’s told in three 35min blocks – Chiron at ~7 is called ‘Little’ and played by Hibbert, where he escapes bullying and his mother’s drug habit by finding a role model in Juan (Ali). Chiron at ~17 is played by Sanders as he struggles through high school. Chiron at ~27 is called ‘Black’ and is played by Rhodes after he has moved to Atlanta.  

The film’s a little too arty in parts, putting in sweeping/annoying camera angles and movement when not needed, and a bit too much of the over-dramatic score when one of the actors is just starting at the camera. It does seem to take a while for anything to happen, and – even though you feel sorry for him – I never grew to care too much for Chiron, as you never get to really know him.

The character of Kevin (Piner/Jerome/Holland) becomes more interesting each phase, but also seems a bit underdeveloped. There’s some nice moments, particularly with Juan and Teresa (Monae) – both underutilized – but it all ends abruptly and you feel like you witnessed Chiron grow up, but not really do anything…

Overall: Average coming-of-age film.

Gav's Rating: 3 stars.