Review of Moonlight (2016) by Mark S — 01 Mar 2017

5 out of 5 Stars.

Having not seen this before the Oscars I selected La La Land for best picture. Having just watched this....now, I'm not so sure. I loved La La Land but this film...it's unique...and excellent..and something that Maritha and I both commented that you rarely if ever see on the screen. It's heartbreaking to watch. I'm sure that there are some, probably many, who can relate to the trajectory of the character in this movie. There are universally relateable themes...trying to find oneself, afraid to follow your true path, not fitting in but...presented from a unique angle. I won't go more into it but it's well worth a watch.

The performances are solid...all of them. An excellent cast. Since the film goes from a young boy, to teenager, to young adult you see the character in different periods of his life and all of the actors portraying were outstanding.

I think that Mahershala Ali who won best supporting actor would not have been my choice...not that his performance wasn't excellent but I just found Michael Shannon in Nocturnal Animals stronger. However, Moonlight was a stronger film so...there you go.

See this film...it's unique.