Review of Moonlight (2016) by Terese O — 25 Dec 2018

Brilliant, powerful movie. Wise, real, and sad on so many themes. The one that struck me the hardest is the plight of the bullied kid -- outcast for whatever reason -- who has no real home to go to after school for respite. It happens. Some reviewers are questioning how the ending of this movie can qualify as happy, but with this kid's start in life, even surviving is an achievement.

All of the acting is first-rate. Mahershala Ali deserves his "Best Supporting" for a nuanced, strong performance in a role that's essential to setting the groundwork for this story, and also, let's face it, for sheer charisma, but every one else was also terrific, including Little at all his ages, Kevin at all his ages, Janelle Monae, and the heartbreaking Naomie Harris.

This is a humanizing movie; if you have a heart at all, seeing it makes you want to give people a break when you wonder why they do the crazy or criminal things they do. That said, I'd love to see a cast this strong do a modern story mostly removed from the 'hood. The setting enhances understanding but probably also reinforces stereotypes.