Review - Moonlight (2016)

A little film that could

Even though the film's protagonist is played by three different actors, all them embody his spirit perfectly.

How often do you get to see a film based on a black, poor and gay protagonist winning an Oscar for Best Picture? Certainly not very often. In fact, it took 89 years for the AMPAS to overcome their inherent racism and homophobia - you can even argue that most Oscar-winning black movies were about slavery, or their struggle during civil rights movement. So Moonlight has certainly broken variety of barriers - but is it really as good as it is being proclaimed?

Moonlight depicts life of an African-American boy named Chiron in three chapters - Little, Chiron and Black. These chapters deal with him growing up in poor Miami neighborhood with cocaine epidemic on the rise, constant school bullying and his struggle with his sexuality. On paper, Moonlight appears to be a soul-sibling to Richard Linklater's wonderful Boyhood - but without a main protagonist who has the "privilege" of being white, straight and opulent. In fact, on many levels, the film remarkably deviates from the normal, acceptable narrative of coming-of-age dramas.

Technically, the film is meticulously crafted. Every scene, every moment is well thought. From cinematography to background score, from editing to sound design - each and everything falls well into the place, like a puzzle fitting perfectly into its position.

Barry Jenkins has created a little precious gem - a realistic document of how growing up in a poverty-stricken and hyper-masculine environment may damage vulnerable young children. Moonlight makes a point against homophobia and lamentable position of non-white Americans. However, lack of a concise conclusion dilutes the dramatic impact of its ending. But even with its minor flaws, Moonlight should be celebrated - it is a little film that could.

3.5/5