Moonlight (2016) 

 R | 1h 51min | Drama | 18 November 2016 (USA) 

Storyline

Three time periods - young adolescence, mid-teen and young adult - in the life of black-American Chiron is presented. When a child, Chiron lives with his single, crack addict mother Paula in a crime ridden neighborhood in Miami. Chiron is a shy, withdrawn child largely due to his small size and being neglected by his mother, who is more concerned about getting her fixes and satisfying her carnal needs than taking care of him. Because of these issues, Chiron is bullied, the slurs hurled at him which he doesn't understand beyond knowing that they are meant to be hurtful. Besides his same aged Cuban-American friend Kevin, Chiron is given what little guidance he has in life from a neighborhood drug dealer named Juan, who can see that he is neglected, and Juan's caring girlfriend Teresa, whose home acts as a sanctuary away from the bullies and away from Paula's abuse. With this childhood as a foundation, Chiron may have a predetermined path in life, one that will only be magnified in terms...  

 

Director: Barry Jenkins

Writers: Barry Jenkins (screenplay), Tarell Alvin McCraney (story by)

Stars: Mahershala Ali, Shariff Earp, Duan Sanderson 

imdb Rate:  8.3/10 

 Moonlight Official Trailer 

My Review

Explained in three parts, the story of a bullied boy ('small") growing up with deficiencies in love and guidance into the slums of Miami, his life as an isolated, beleaguered teenager ("Chiron") last but not least his persona and relationships as a guy ("Black" ).

Screenplay, guiding, acting, filming, music were all excellent. The acting will shock you away.

The concepts at play have rarely been given such a realistic rendering. You're feeling as  you will be watching an actual boy deal  because of the strange unfairness he finds at every turn. And you're grateful when it comes to occasional kindnesses he receives. The viewers I came with ENJOYED it. Personally I think it really is a work of art.