Moonlight is one of those films you will never
watch but be aware. It could show up at Oscar time. I saw it because I like to
support my local theater when they run that one artsy weird flick. I want them
to keep ‘em coming. Mahershala Ali as Juan is so darn good. You’ve seen
him in films (he’s in Netflix’s Luke Cage - Cottonmoth) and he’s a great
understated actor. He just shines in this film as the drug dealer who befriends
a kid in the hood who needs guidance.
The kid is the adult Chiron (Ashton Sanders), but before
that he’s Little ( Alex Hibbert) – a wide-eyed little boy who just seeks
escape. When he hides out in a room, Juan finds him and takes him home. His
wife, Teresa (Janelle Monae – yes, she can sing and act) feeds the kid and
doesn’t ask too many questions. Little aka Chiron ultimately always seeks
Juan and Teresa out as his rock. He can count on them to feed him, shelter him,
and not question.
His mother, Paula, played by a heartbreaking Naomie Harris,
is a druggie. Oh, she cares for her son but the drugs and that life suck her
in. Meanwhile, Chiron is a sensitive kid who’s gay but just won’t acknowledge
it. There’s an underlying need for love but he shoves that aside with a tough
guy attitude.
Moonlight operates on many levels and it’s
really well acted and touching. It might not have themes that everyone cares
about, but ultimately it is about love and family and friendship and who you can
count on………..that means a lot in this day and age. I truly hope it sees
some Oscar nominations.
