The movie Moonlight explores all of the complexities that come with the journey of life, as a Black man struggles to find acceptance and comfort within his sexuality. The movie is centralized around the main character Chiron, and follows the main chapters of his life as they unfold. As Chrion grapples to come to terms with his sexuality, he is also faced with the everyday effects of his childhood neglect, and the drug use within his community. The movie Moonlight is able to embody the importance of accepting one’s true self, while allowing audiences to see Chiron at his most vulnerable. The powerful message, the expressive use of cinematography, and furthermore the screenplay allows one to see this movie in its truest form, and prevailing art. 

Perhaps the most influential message that is portrayed throughout this movie, is the intersectionality among Black men. Moonlight is so eloquently done because it raises awareness on LGBTQ+ community and mental health among Black men, which is so often overlooked within society. The stereotypical headstrong, masculine aura Black men are expected to embody is the main focus in the movie Moonlight, as all of those toxic expectations of what a Black man should evoke is shattered. Throughout the duration of the movie, viewers are able to see Chiron have clear feelings for his friend Kevin, but suppresses those emotions ultimately throughout his entire adult life. This movie does a great job encapsulating toxic masculinity to it’s core, and furthermore all of the effects that can have on a man’s life as he excels into adutlhood. 

Cinematography

Along with the many powerful messages this movie holds, comes the wonderful cinematography that ultimately makes the movie so beautiful and enjoyable to watch. The setting takes place in Miami, and there are many moments where the significance of the beach and the ocean are shown. Moreover the wonderful use of colors is apparent throughout the movie as the camera focuses on vibrant colors which places an emphasis on the Black skin shown throughout the film.

The title Moonlight certainly symbolizes a variety of messages, however the cinematography undoubtedly expresses the title in the most wonderful ways. In multiple scenes, audiences saw the beautiful views of the moon reflecting on Chirons Black skin on the beach. This lens was shown throughout the three phases of his life, his child self, his teenage self, and furthermore his adult persona. The beach as well as the moonlight are two aspects of cinematography that remain of constant importance. From my perspective, I see the scene where the moon and beach are presented as the most vulnerable moments. The blue moonlight symbolizes his true identity, which is so often hidden under all of his denial and fears. 

Screenplay

The use of screenplay in Moonlight also makes the movie all the more enjoyable as well. The script resembles some of the most powerful moments the movie has to offer. In my opinion this written line perhaps serves as a wonderful representation of the movie as a whole, which reads “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue”. This line emphasizes the theme of Black beauty under the moon. Another line written within the screenplay that perhaps expresses the movie at its climax reads, “I Cry So Much, Sometimes I Feel Like Imma Just Turn Into Drops”. At this point in the movie Chiron and Kevin are sitting on the beach as Chiron expresses his deepest feelings he often keeps to himself. These two lines reassure the importance the beach holds throughout the movie, it serves as a place of escape, comfort, and truth for Chiron. This is why cinematography and screenplay are so vital together, because it allows for multiple interpretations for audiences to make about the movie. 

The movie Moonlight is able to explore some important themes while highlighting the struggles that so many Black men endeavor. It highlights the importance of understanding your self identity, and furthermore loving yourself because of that. I admire Moonlight because it provides viewers with so much raw emotion and authenticity from a lens we oftentimes don’t see. I feel as though this movie is a must watch for audiences not only because it tackles the issues of toxic masculinity, but it also highlights how childhood trauma manifests its way into adulthood if not healed from or dealt with the correct way. This movie is wonderfully directed, and produced and furthermore so powerful in all of the most genuine ways. Moonlight is yet another A24 production that is a must watch!!