Moonlight
“Moonlight doesn’t explicitly tackle topics of race. Instead, it focuses on the humanization of Black boys and Black men.”
Title: Moonlight (2016)
Director: Barry Jenkins 👨🏾🇺🇸
Writers: Screenplay by Barry Jenkins 👨🏾🇺🇸 and story by Tarell Alvin McCraney 👨🏾🇺🇸🌈
Reviewed by Angie 👩🏻🇺🇸🌈
Technical: 5/5
We follow the story of Chiron from young adolescence to adulthood. Chiron grows up in a rough neighborhood in Miami, Florida. The film is divided into three acts as we see how Chiron tries to find his way in the world while dealing with his drug-addicted mother, the pressures of high school, and eventually how he becomes an adult. Emotionally raw with brilliant performances by the entire cast.
Gender: 3/5
Does it pass the Bechdel Test? NO
There were two main women in Chiron’s life, but they never even speak to each other. And while there were other minor roles for females in this film, ultimately Moonlight is Chiron’s story and as an audience member, we are seeing the world through his eyes.
Race: 5/5
The majority of characters in this film were people of color, but Moonlight doesn’t explicitly tackle topics of race. Instead, it focuses on the humanization of Black boys and Black men. The seemingly simple task feels quietly, if sadly, radical given Hollywood’s poor track record on doing just that.
Bonus for LGBTQ: +1.00
I have to admit, I was not expecting any LGBTQ representation as I started watching but was pleasantly surprised. It is not the focal point, but it is addressed.
Mediaversity Grade: A- 4.67/5
Please remember, the Mediaversity grade is a measure of inclusivity and should be viewed as a resource, not the final word. Moonlight is a stellar film with brilliant performances. As an audience member you really care about Chiron and hope he pulls through the struggles he encounters from all three stages of his life—a universal story that anyone can relate to.
3/24/2021: Updated score from 4.50 to 4.67 in order to reflect current methodology