The film focuses on how identity is formed, specifically for black, gay men in America.
Moonlight, the coming-of-age tale that documents the life of a young, black gay kid growing up in an down-and-out part of Miami, has became the breakout hit of this year’s film festival circuit, and has gone on to become one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year.
The central character, Chiron, is played by three different actors as the film charts his life: Alex Hibbert during his childhood, Ashton Sanders during his adolescence and finally Trevante Rhodes, who takes on the adult Chiron.
Executive produced by Brad Pitt, the film is based on the play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, by Tarell Alvin McCraney, and co-stars Skyfall’s Naomie Harris, Mahershala Ali (House of Cards) and US singer Janelle Monáe.
Having received top marks from the Guardian, Hollywood Reporter, New Yorker, Time and A.V. Club, and 18 other news outlets, the film has scored a spectacular 99 out of 100 critic score on review aggregator Metacritic, which indicates “universal acclaim.” The Guardian described the film as “thrilling, deeply necessary work,” while Rolling Stone said the film “stays raw from first scene to last.” The Telegraph called it, “a nuclear-fission-strength heartbreaker.”
A UK release date is still awaiting confirmation, but considering the strength of its impact elsewhere we can’t imagine we’ll be waiting too long.
Check out the trailer for Moonlight below:
