Review of Moonlight (2016) by Laura Z — 26 Feb 2017

I'll admit it, going in to see the film, I had a preconceived notion that this film was simply going to fetish-ize gay, black love, make it sexy and beautiful as added arsenal to the liberal agenda. Well, it did all that, plus a whole lot more.

Moonlight tells the universal story of a young man trying to find his.

Place in the world. This particular young man had a few extra hurdles.

To face growing up which I can relate to, and can tell from some of the.

Other reviewers that they did not; they were blessed enough to grow up in a safe, supportive environment and just do not get this movie and never will.

The story is gritty in its realness of hostile school environments and.

The devastating effect of drugs on the ability of adults to nurture and.

Guide their children. Yet the story is also beautiful, in it's.

Characters' relationships - it tells the truth about the unique.

"blended" families in the black community, where it's not just about.

Blood, but also who looks out for you in this cold, cold world.

People are knocking the third act but it was my favorite. About 10.

Minutes into the diner scene, I realize we're still there, and there's.

No rush to leave and I admire that realistic view for once. It's rare.

That films will linger in such a manner, bringing you into the scene.

And having it encompass you like you are there, nice and slow, to be enjoyed like a multi-course, fine dining meal. Instead we are often "treated" to fast food movies, jumping from one scene to the next, just staying in one scene long enough to move the plot line along, as if in a race. If there is a race, Moonlight is the tortoise against all the other hares and wins the race.

Some may call this movie a chick flick for gay men, but I think this.

Film is an intimate, 20-page love letter to anyone living with.

Self-doubt, pain, uncertainty, and the fear of being themselves. It is.

Truly a gem.