Moonlight (2016) is a powerful Oscar-winning drama film about identity, family, and self-discovery. The movie is directed by Barry Jenkins and is based on Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play In Moonlight; Black Boys Look Blue, which recounts the lives of Chiron, an African American child growing up in a seedy Miami neighborhood. As Chiron navigates his way through adolescence, he learns to manage his difficult home life and his sexuality while finding out who he is and what he wants in life (The Take, min 2:01-min2:46). Through its stunning cinematography, thoughtful writing, and powerful performances, Moonlight offers a nuanced and in-depth look into the lives of people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community. This film is an actual example of how race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic class intersect in our society and how these intersections can shape a person’s identity.
One of the most critical themes in Moonlight is the representation of race. Chiron is an African American boy growing up in a predominantly black Miami neighborhood plagued by poverty and violence (The Take, min 6:31). Through Chiron’s story, director Barry Jenkins illustrates how race can shape a person’s experiences and identity. As Chiron struggles to come to terms with his sexuality, he is constantly reminded by his peers that he is different and that he belongs to a particular group. He is also harassed and bullied by those who see him as a threat to the status quo (The Take, min 3:26). This is an essential reminder that racism is still alive and well in our society and can profoundly affect people’s lives. (Ann, n.pp) “The movie is about a young black man, but it speaks to the universality of that experience, of the way that racism, poverty, and violence constrain and shape lives.”
Moonlight is also a powerful exploration of identity and the power of self-acceptance. As Chiron grows older, he has to confront his feelings and the expectations of those around him. Through his journey, we get a glimpse of how our society can be cruel and unforgiving to those who are different. It is a testament to Jenkins’ skill as a filmmaker that Moonlight can create such a powerful, emotional experience. “The film is a triumph. It’s a searingly powerful, intensely felt drama that lingers in the memory.” (Bradshaw, n.pg). Moonlight is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of race, identity, and acceptance.
The representation of gender in Moonlight is also noteworthy. Chiron is an African American male, and the film does not shy away from exploring his experiences as a young man. Throughout the film, Chiron is presented with challenges as he struggles to find his place in the world. He is often forced to confront his masculinity and his sexuality and is met with both acceptance and rejection. It serves as a reminder of how gender intersects with other aspects of a person’s identity and how it can be challenging to navigate these different aspects.
The representation of LGBTQ characters in Moonlight is significant. Writing for Variety, Peter Debruge noted that the film ‘skillfully employs subtle visual storytelling to introduce Chiron’s homosexuality without ever explicitly labeling him.’ Chiron’s sexuality is not explicitly stated in the movie but is suggested through his interactions with other characters, clothing choices, and body language. Through these subtle cues, director Barry Jenkins conveys Chiron’s struggles to hide his true identity to fit into society. The Washington Post’s Ann Hornaday praised the film for its ‘nuanced and sensitive’ portrayal of sexuality, noting that it accomplishes with tenderness, wit, and insight what so many films have tried and failed to do in terms of representing the broad spectrum of human sexuality.’ Moonlight offers a nuanced view of LGBTQ identity that challenges traditional stereotypes. It is an important reminder of the struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals who are often forced to hide their identities to fit into society. As Hornaday wrote, Moonlight ‘invites audiences to understand, accept and embrace the diverse spectrums of sexual identity.’
Moonlight explores the intersection of race, gender, and socioeconomic class through the story of Chiron, a young black man from a low-income family living in a rough Miami neighborhood. His family struggles to make ends meet, and his environment is filled with poverty and crime (The Take, min 4:25). Chiron is constantly reminded of his limited options and challenges in achieving a better life. He is also subjected to bullying and discrimination, further compounding his difficulties. Despite these obstacles, however, Chiron has moments of hope and potential. He is offered a scholarship to a prestigious college and is provided with the opportunity to escape his circumstances and make something of his life.
This illustrates how poverty can profoundly affect a person’s life and how it can be difficult to escape the cycle of poverty. It also highlights the importance of having access to resources, such as education, that can reduce poverty. At the same time, the film also offers a message of hope, showing that it is possible to overcome poverty and achieve success with hard work and determination. Through this, Moonlight conveys the idea that everyone should have access to the same opportunities and that everyone should have the chance to succeed regardless of their background or circumstances.
The performances in Moonlight are remarkable, making the movie an instant classic. Mahershala Ali gives a stunning performance as Chiron’s mentor, Juan, that won him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor (Oscars, min 1:57-6:23). He conveys the complexities of Juan’s character with such nuance and depth that it is impossible not to be moved by his performance. Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, and Ashton Sanders each give unforgettable performances as the three stages of Chiron’s life. Through their performances, we can see the struggles, triumphs, and joys of Chiron’s life and Juan’s impact on him.
The cinematography in Moonlight is also stunning. Director Barry Jenkins skillfully uses lighting to evoke the characters’ emotions and create isolation, making the movie even more powerful and affecting. The camera’s movement adds to the atmosphere as it often follows the characters and weaves in and out of scenes (The Take, min 3:11). The use of color is also noteworthy as Jenkins often uses blues, blacks, and greys to convey sadness and desolation. In contrast, the use of yellows, oranges, and reds conveys warmth and joy (The Take, min 9:33).
Work Cited
A.O. Scott, “Movie Review: ‘Moonlight’ Takes a Poetic Look at a Young Man’s Struggles,” The New York Times, October 21, 2016.
Debruge, P. (2016, October 21). Review: ‘Moonlight’ Is a Gently Radical Portrait of Queer Black Life. Variety.
Hornaday, A. (2016, October 20). ‘Moonlight’ is a gentle, powerful story of identity and love—the Washington Post.
Oscars. “Moonlight” wins Best Picture | 89th Oscars (2017).” YouTube, 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCQn_FkFElI
Peter Bradshaw, “Moonlight review – a searingly powerful, intensely felt drama that lingers in the memory,” The Guardian, October 24, 2016.
The Take. “Moonlight Explained: Symbols, Camera & More.” YouTube, 26 Feb. 2017, youtu.be/Ot9DX5S8aHk https://youtu.be/Ot9DX5S8aHk
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