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Moonlight
2016 111 min United States of America R 16+
★8.2
Drama
Director: Barry Jenkins
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Description
The tender, heartbreaking story of a young man’s struggle to find himself, told across three defining chapters in his life as he experiences the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love, while grappling with his own sexuality.
Budget:
$4M
US Gross:
$27.85M
Worldwide:
$65.05M
Starring
Mahershala Ali
Actor
Naomie Harris
Actor
Trevante Rhodes
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 2017
— Best Picture (Drama)
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2017
— Best Supporting Actor
Academy Awards 2017
— Best Picture
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2017
— Best Cast Ensemble
Academy Awards 2017
— Best Original Score
Golden Globe 2017
— Best Picture (Drama)
Golden Globe 2017
— Best Original Score
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2017
— Best Supporting Actor
BAFTA 2017
— Best Supporting Actress
Academy Awards 2017
— Best Picture
Academy Awards 2017
— Best Supporting Actor
MTV Movie & TV Awards 2017
— Best Heartbreaking Scene
BAFTA 2017
— Best Picture
BAFTA 2017
— Best Supporting Actor
Academy Awards 2017
— Best Supporting Actress
Academy Awards 2017
— Best Adapted Screenplay
Academy Awards 2017
— Best Director
Academy Awards 2017
— Best Cinematography
Golden Globe 2017
— Best Supporting Actress
MTV Movie & TV Awards 2017
— Best Kiss
Golden Globe 2017
— Best Supporting Actor
Golden Globe 2017
— Best Screenplay
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2017
— Best Supporting Actress
BAFTA 2017
— Best Original Screenplay
Key opinion
Moonlight is a polarizing drama that is either lauded as an atmospheric and poignant character study or dismissed as a formulaic, politically motivated project. While many critics praise its powerful lead performances and unique three-act structure, detractors often find the narrative pacing sluggish and the thematic scope narrow or contrived.
| Acting | The three leads deliver distinct yet cohesive performances that effectively anchor the protagonist's growth across three decades. | |
| Direction | The film's atmospheric, minimalist direction creates a lingering emotional resonance that highlights the vulnerability of the central character. | |
| Score | The musical score is a standout element, providing a rich, melodic layer that enhances the film’s tonal depth. | |
| Screenplay | The three-act structure succeeds in capturing a life's evolution for some, while others feel it leads to narrative disjointedness and repetitive character arcs. | |
| Pacing | The film’s slow, contemplative pacing is praised as immersive by supporters but criticized as boring and empty by those expecting a more traditional narrative drive. | |
| Culture | Opinions on the film's artistic merit are deeply divided by its status as an Oscar winner, with critics debating whether it is a nuanced human story or a product of identity-focused political agendas. | |
| Ending | The abrupt ending leaves many viewers feeling unsatisfied and lacking a sense of final resolution. |