Review of Loving (2016) by Spangle — 27 Nov 2016

The most low-key work by director Jeff Nichols, Loving is a slow, moving, and reserved film about two very reserved people. Telling the story of Richard (Joel Edgerton) and Mildred Loving (Ruth Negga), Loving recounts their love, their marriage, and the legal battle that legalized interracial marriage nationwide. A truly historic case, Loving is not concerned with the courtroom. Rather, it is a love story about two unassuming country folk who fell in love. That said, in doing this, Loving loses the climax of their "freedom", opting to focus upon their relationship and given the silent, stoic nature of the couple. This leaves the film lacking the impactful ending demanded by the importance of the case. However, with great direction, acting, and cinematography, Loving does manage to overcome its camera shy approach to telling this story.

Two shy people, the Loving's are brilliantly brought to life by Edgerton and Negga. Though, on watching, their performances are so slight they evade detection. As such, the viewer is forced to peel back to the onion and, upon doing so, the emotion of the film is revealed. However, it is still very subtle and comes in non-noteworthy actions, embraces, or delivery of lines. For example, the famed photo of Richard resting his head in Mildred's lap that was published in Life Magazine is one such moment. Tender, subtle, and entirely romantic, as is the rest of the film, this moment encapsulates the beauty of their romance. In a similar tone, Richard telling his lawyer Bernard Cohen (Nick Kroll) to tell the Supreme Court that he "loves his wife" is a truly powerful moment amplified by Edgerton's delivery. Thus, it is undeniable that both Negga and Edgerton turned in stellar performances. Though more low-key than many performances and, should either win, it will largely be criticized by the general public, both are worthy nominees. That said, Kroll is quite bad here. He struggles to fit in and appears ready to make a joke at any turn. The fact I laughed when he was first shown is indicative that he is not ready for a dramatic role. His acting did little to change my mind, as he seemed like a comedic actor punching above his weight class.

The film's cinematography is also great and fully embraced by Nichols. With slow drawn out sequences, Nichols allows the camera to really soak in the beauty of the scenery and farm country. In many ways, the visuals are a love letter to the rural environment that Nichols so clearly loves in each of his films. Furthermore, once again, the best shot here comes in a car. From over Edgerton's shoulder, there is a great shot in a car and, just as in Midnight Special, a shot of cars speeding ahead with the headlights glowing on the road are terrific. Nichols seems to favor this shot lately and his films' look definitely benefit from this affection.

However, the film is held back by its commitment to its couple. Just as low-key and shy as its protagonists, Loving is an unassuming and quiet film. As such, it can be quite slow and, at the end, devoid of emotional punch. For such a landmark case, its emotional climax comes and goes with rapid speed. Though the decision to focus on the romance and not the courtroom elements help the film not feel as tedious as a courtroom film often can, it does hurt the film by losing the weight and power of the case that it depicts. Loving v. Virginia is a landmark decision and had the film at least shown the decision being delivered without any of the arguments, it would have been a film with incredible emotion and a terrific climax. Instead, the audience gets the decision on the other end of the phone. While true to its characters, Loving's conclusion to its case does not fit thematically or entertainment-wise.

As a whole, Loving may be my least favorite work by Nichols, though I have yet to see Shotgun Stories. That said, it is still a beautiful and lyrical experience that is a love letter to love and country living. Though it lacks the punch I hoped it would have, its tenderly depicted and written romance is tremendous.