MORAL OF THE MOVIE

Stereotypes and expectations come from being part of certain communities. However, it is ultimately up to you to decide whether you take the risk of choosing to live as yourself or succumb to societal expectations and be the stereotypical version of your community.

WHO I THINK WOULD MOST ENJOY THIS MOVIE

Anyone who has ever struggled with the idea of their own identity. Also, those looking to get a better understanding of the LGBT experience within the black community and the stereotypes/expectations that come from being part of the black community.

ADDITIONAL NOTES/COMMENTARY

Most people will know of this film because it was on the other end of the La La Land Best Picture Oscar switch-up in the 2016 Academy Awards. Yet, it should be known for so much more. Director Barry Jenkins pours his heart out in this film as he poses the question of identity under the context of racial stereotypes and struggle. The film’s protagonist struggles with his own identity because it conflicts with what everyone else (society) expects of him. Interestingly, the film shows how some of the more stereotypical expectations of the protagonist’s identity come from those within his community and close circle: family and “friends”. This is a matter that I think all of us can relate to because we all form members of our own communities, racial or otherwise, and forming part of these communities often come accompanied with the expectations and stereotypes that have been assigned to them whether we like it or not. On a side note, it is incredibly impressive that Naomi Harris, a British citizen, did all of her filming in just THREE DAYS due to visa issues that did not permit her to stay in the U.S. for longer. She was one of the most powerful parts of the entire film for me as the performance covered the struggles of drug addiction, single parenthood (or lack thereof), and poverty among others within the community depicted in the film. A performance truly worthy of an Academy Award. Speaking of which, Mahershala Ali deservedly won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Juan, a father figure who plays a small role in the film but an incredibly important influence for the film’s protagonist. Lastly, if not for the film’s performances and relevant topics, you should watch it for its sheer beauty. The cinematography and editing of Moonlight draws the viewer in like quicksand and put me right in the shoes of the characters. Overall, Moonlight is an incredibly powerful cinematic experience that tackles the generally relatable theme of identity in a very specific yet relevant context.