Directed by Bary Jenkins, Moonlight is a deeply personal and universal story of identity, love, and survival. Jenkins crafts a narrative that is both intimate and epic, chronicling three defining chapters in the life of its protagonist, Chiron, who is growing up in a neighbourhood riddled with violence and substance addiction. The film's exploration of themes such as masculinity, sexuality, and the need for connection is handled with a rare sensitivity and grace.
The film is anchored by a trio of exceptional performances that bring Chiron to life at different stages of his life. Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes each deliver a remarkable and seamless portrayal of a young man in a world that seeks to crush his spirit. Mahershala Ali wins an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his compassionate and conflicted portrayal of the drug dealer Juan.
Moonlight gives voice to a character rarely seen at the centre of a major motion picture: a queer, Black man from an impoverished background. With an all-black caste, the film's success challenges Hollywood's traditional narratives and demonstrates the necessity of diverse storytelling.
Getting nominated for 8 Oscars, winning the Best Picture Oscar in 2017, and considered one of the most influential films of the 21st century by The New York Times, Moonlight signals a shift in the industry's recognition of underrepresented voices.