Revisiting Moonlight
Still from Moonlight, (2016) dir. Barry JenkinsI went back and rewatched one of my favorite movies: Moonlight (2016), written and directed by Barry Jenkins. Moonlight follows a young boy named Chiron, through the different chapters in his life. You see Chiron’s story unfold before you on the screen. Watch as he experiences heartbreak, fear, resentment, loss, growth, and happiness. All lit with beautiful colors and gorgeous cinematography. The story begins with Chiron as a child, running from a group of boys who are chasing and bullying him. He hides away from them and is soon found by Juan, who becomes a sort of parental figure to Chiron, along with Teresa, Juan’s partner. I like to view the relationship between Juan and Chiron as a bond that demonstrates how people can show kindness to strangers.
The world would be a much better place if we were all compassionate toward others, you never know what someone may be going through. Performing one small act of kindness for a person could change their life, just as Juan’s kindness does for Chiron. We have the power to touch people, to leave an impact on them, even if it’s only in some small way. This is a key element in the plot of Moonlight since people affect us in many ways.
Chiron deals with an internal struggle, discovering who he is and where he fits into the world. All of us have to go through this, the period of growing up and discovering new parts of ourselves. He is questioning his identity when the boys in his neighborhood are picking on him, spitting hateful things at him concerning his sexuality. Chiron is hurt and confused, then he goes to Juan for guidance. He asks why the boys vehemently call him a certain word, poised like a knife to plunge into his back. He is told that it’s a word used to make gay people feel bad.
There is a moment of silence as Chiron processes this, then asks “How do I know?” The question is answered by simple words, filled with no malice. “You just do, I think.” This is especially heartwarming, coming from a man like Juan. He has always had to be tough in the environment that he lives in, especially considering that he’s a man, and I’m sure that he doesn’t hand out soft words such as these too often. Teresa gives him a comforting reply, saying that he’ll know when he knows. There was no judgment, only tender support given to a child who is discovering himself. I think this was a very important conversation to be had, and it was handled so well. Two people, extending advice, out of the goodness of their hearts, to someone who needs it.
After that conversation, we see Chiron in the next chapter as a teenager. Enduring struggles at home, and at school, he has to work through it all, this time without Juan. There is a scene very important to me, when Chiron visits the water with a friend, Kevin. They talk about the times they feel like crying but don’t, I assume that it’s because they could be seen as fragile. Because boys are told not to cry. Society pressures them to push down their feelings and not show them, or they are deemed weak.
The scene is so intimate, they both want to talk about this, curious about how each of them deals with emotions, but still, it is suppressed. The closeness between the two boys leads to them kissing, so afraid and uncertain for fear of rejection. After Chiron apologizes, Kevin asks him “What he has to be sorry for.” This response is close to my heart, because many people who have “come out” in one way or another, are met with judgment and hate. But there is no shame in being who you are. We need to continue representing queer people, giving them a platform to expand on their experiences.
The final chapter takes place with Chiron as an adult, grown and doing what he has to do to make ends meet. He receives a call from an old friend, surprise, surprise, it’s Kevin. This leads to him driving out to visit the diner Kevin works in. Kevin is at first surprised, but cordial to see Chiron after so long. You can sense the adoration he has for Chiron. They spend some time catching up, and when Chiron asks why he got the call, Kevin gets up and walks over to the jukebox to play a song. “Hello Stranger,” by Barbara Lewis plays throughout the diner. This scene is chock-full of longing, the way they look at each other makes me want to cry just thinking about it. It seems like the song puts into words what Kevin can’t.
I’ve never been much for romance, but I can wholeheartedly say that I am in love with that scene. And I am so in love with this movie. I suppose the reason this movie resonates so deeply with me is because I got to watch a love story pan out through such an innocent lens. Growing up, I never heard about romance occurring between anybody other than two heterosexual, cisgender people. That’s probably why it took me so long to discover my own identity. But now? We’re gradually receiving more narratives in terms of movies, shows, and books. More characters to represent us. I hope this means that queer people won’t have to spend their childhood “in the closet,” or unaware of their identity and where their place is in the world. As long as it’s done with love, the representation will always be positive, just like in Moonlight (2016).
Ian Pricer is a queer, 18-year-old, aspiring writer/poet. Her time is spent watching movies, writing, reading, and creating. Often found taking photos and planning personal projects, such as screenplays and books. She hopes to go on and develop a career in film, as she is absolutely in love with cinema and storytelling. You can find her on Instagram @sweetnuthn