Review of Loving (2016) by Justin G — 26 Nov 2016

Jeff Nichols recently directed "Midnight Special (2016)" earlier this year. That was the first 5-star film that I rated and one of the best movies of this year. All of his films I really loved and it would be impossible to tell you which was my favorite. "Loving" is further proof that he is one of the best directors of this generation. Perhaps this might be favorite of his movies? Then again if I went back and watched "Take Shelter (2011)" or "Mud (2012)" I might say the same thing. Either way, let's get this review started.

The film is the true story about the lives of two interracial lovers, Richard Loving (Joel Edgerton) and Mildrid Loving (Ruth Negga.) We follow their courtship in as they get married in Washington and then are arrested in June of 1958 . They are then forced out of state and are not allowed to return for 25 years. This leads to the Loving v. Virginia Supreme Court case to remove anti-miscegenation laws that prohibit interracial marriage.

Let me say that this isn't really a court movie as it is a romance-drama. We see the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Loving as they sneak around and try to live among their family and friends. We see their painful hardships that deal with racism and discrimination. The important thing is that this movie is truly about love in a perfect way. This is the true story of people who really love each other regardless of race or differences. They have a strong bond that is unbreakable and in this day and age, that is extremely rare. The themes here are obvious. It deals with racism and equality, but what struck me the most was how these are still relevant issues in 2016. We are now more accepting of course but I still see the news flooded with racial violence. I believe this movie reminds us not to look at life in the black and white and remember to keep pushing for equality in the world.

The lead performances are from Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga. They are phenomenal. Edgerton plays his character with a shyness and Negga plays her's as the more spoken type. They have wonderful chemistry and it shows in many emotional scenes that are mesmerizing to watch. They are excellent with their characters and give some of the best performances this year. We also see other great characters in here like Bernie Cohen, one of the lawyers played by Nick Kroll. He plays a more serious role than he usually does but he is still very likable in this movie. Marton Csokas plays Sheriff Brooks and is very hard headed and feels like the villain that we don't want to win. Then we get Michael Shannon as Grey Villet, a photographer for Time Magazine. He is in every single Jeff Nichols film so it was no surprise he was in this one. Even though he had a small role, he played an eccentric and welcoming character. All the other characters. There is no such thing as bad acting in a Jeff Nichols film so its safe to say all the performances were strong in this movie.

The acting mixed with the moments of frustration and intensity brings a realistic feel to the movie. Everything is told in detail and careful direction. We see things from Richard and Mildrid Loving's point of view and we never get flooded with the civil rights movement or lawyer jabber. This is a true human love story that is powerfully acted and was a great experience for me. I can't wait for Nichols next film which I'm sure I will love and will no doubt have Michael Shannon in it.