Three chapters in the life of Chiron, a young black man grappling with his identity and sexuality in a rough Miami neighborhood. The film beautifully captures the complexities of coming of age as Chiron navigates his childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, intertwined with themes of love, longing, and self-discovery. It delves deeply into the intersections of race, class, and queerness, making a powerful statement about what it means to be a black man in today’s society.
Moonlight encapsulates the essence of blackness—portraying not just the challenges faced by African Americans, but also the tender spots of vulnerability that often go unnoticed. It offers a poignant look at how race intersects with themes of queerness, showcasing the societal pressures that compel individuals to conform to rigid gender norms. The film masterfully captures how these experiences shape Chiron’s life choices and relationships.
The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. The use of vibrant colors against the backdrop of the Miami landscape adds a stunning visual poetry to the narrative. Through close-ups and the interplay of light and shadow and the careful framing of each scene enhances the story’s themes, inviting the audience to feel every moment of Chiron’s internal and external journey.
The film’s exploration of vulnerability and love defies stereotypes, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional portrayals of masculinity.
+ Strange Way of Life (Pedro Almodovar, 2023, 31 min)
A subtle, sexy and kinky re-imagining of the Wild West. Pedro Pascal (Silva) and Ethan Hawke (Jake) are past lovers who meet again in Bitter Creek after 25 years apart. After eating together, the men’s feelings for each other re-surface. Through suggestive glances, breathless proclamations, and intense close-ups, Almodovar beautifully queers the lens from the start of the film making the viewer feel the erotic undertone in a seemingly a regular murder plot in a Western film. The film beautifully plays with notions of masculinity through desire, violence and humour.
— Fay Nass, Queering Cinema curator
May 29: Intro by curator Fay Nass
The best film I’ve seen in a long time and the best take on black masculinity… ever.
Ta-Nehisi Coates
Community Partner
Barry Jenkins
Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Janelle Monáe, Ashton Sanders
USA
2017
English
Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay
Indigenous & Community Access
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Credits
Screenwriter
Tarell Alvin McCraney
Cinematography
Jmaes Laxton
Editor
Nat Sanders, Joi Mcmillion
Original Music
Nicholas Britell
Also in This Series
Queering Cinema features five features and two short films which have extended the scope of queer cinema, exploring the themes of masculinity, loneliness, belonging and desire.
Tehran: City of Love
Three lovesick individuals struggle to find romance as this tragicomic triptych plays out across the weddings, funerals, beauty parlours, and gyms of Tehran. This is the opening film in our new Queering Cinema series and will be followed by a set from DJ Nancydru.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Released in 2001, John Cameron Mitchell's flamboyant rock musical about a gender-queer punk rock singer from East Berlin pushed the boundaries of queer cinema. It's both heartbreaking and empowering. Screening with the short The Human Voice.
Moonlight
Three chapters in the life of Chiron, a young black man grappling with his identity and sexuality in a rough Miami neighborhood. Barry Jenkins' exploration of vulnerability and love offers a refreshing alternative to traditional portrayals of masculinity. Screening with the short Strange Way of Life.
Close-Knit
A young girl, Tomo, unexpectedly finds herself living with her uncle and his transgender partner, a woman named Tetsu. The unconventional family arrangement serves as a backdrop for exploring the challenges and joys of living authentically.