The cinematic experience of a film like "Moonlight" is deeply intertwined with the cultural landscape through which it is viewed. Tiq Milan, a writer and advocate, emphasizes this connection, suggesting that the film's impact cannot be detached from its societal context.
Milan also highlighted the significance of such a film's success, particularly in a current political climate marked by considerable opposition to new federal administrations and growing anxieties about potential regression in areas of progress and equality.
This piece was originally published by NBC Out, where Mary Emily O'Hara serves as the rapid response manager at GLAAD.
Her previous work in news and culture has appeared in publications such as Adweek, Into, Them, NBC News, MSNBC, Daily Dot, and Vice. For an optimal browsing experience, it is recommended to use a browser other than Internet Explorer 11.
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Written by Mary Emily O'Hara. The symbolism of the ocean within "Moonlight" plays a crucial role in conveying its underlying messages. The ocean and the sounds associated with it represent a sanctuary where Chiron can finally embrace his authentic self. Throughout the narrative, moments of genuine self-expression for Chiron are consistently linked to the ocean's presence or the evocative sounds of its waves.
Furthermore, the film's deliberate use of blue lighting throughout specific scenes signifies a deeper understanding and an unwavering commitment to one's true identity.
The narrative culminates in a pivotal sequence that begins with Chiron and Kevin sharing an intimate kiss. The performances by Sanders and Jerome in this scene are particularly powerful and nuanced. Following this moment, Kevin offers Chiron a form of sexual intimacy, after which Chiron expresses an apology.
This apology serves as a stark illustration of the internalized homophobia that Chiron grapples with.
Having finally experienced a moment of sexual expression without fear of judgment, Chiron's past experiences lead him to perceive his actions as inherently wrong. Despite Chiron's remorse, Kevin reassures him, affirming that there is nothing to apologize for. This exchange solidifies the scene as a safe space, marking it as Chiron's first positive sexual encounter.
The weight of homophobia and societal expectations surrounding masculinity profoundly affects individuals.
This scene poignantly demonstrates its impact on Chiron, mirroring the experiences of countless other queer men. The pervasive influence of homophobia and discrimination has profound and lasting consequences on individuals.
The flickering, green-tinged lighting in a subsequent scene creates a palpable sense of unease.
The strategic use of slow-motion as Chiron examines his reflection and notices his injuries imbues the shot with a profound gravity and a chilling sense of impending dread. Additionally, the camera remains remarkably still, diverging from the fluid Steadicam movements prevalent in other parts of the film.
This deliberate stillness suggests Chiron's active choice in shaping his own identity and future.
From the meticulous lighting and sound design to the nuanced acting and editing, complemented by the evocative cinematography, it becomes clear that Chiron is resolved to no longer endure mistreatment.
He is determined to cease being hurt and intends to assert himself. His path leads him to become a physically imposing drug dealer, adorned with golden grillz. He has cultivated a hyper-masculine persona, mirroring the influence of Juan, a pivotal figure from his youth.
However, this transformed persona is not Chiron's true self but rather a meticulously crafted façade he believes is necessary for survival.
He has constructed a formidable physical and emotional armor, embodying aggression and an unyielding demeanor. While this dramatic transformation might initially seem jarring, observing his life journey throughout this segment reveals that the core of Chiron remains, albeit one performing hypermasculinity to gain societal acceptance.
The cumulative effects of societal differences, power dynamics, and discrimination stemming from his sexual orientation and perceived lack of traditional masculinity are so immense that he becomes almost unrecognizable.
Regrettably, this portrayal reflects the harsh realities faced by many gay Black men in contemporary society. It appears that Chiron might never fully accept himself, but then, a reunion between Kevin and Chiron offers a glimmer of hope.
In the film's final ten remarkable shots, themes of hope and healing are brought to the forefront.
Throughout this culminating scene, Chiron and Kevin are presented in close-ups, with a shallow depth of field that places them as the undeniable focal point. This deliberate framing emphasizes that the moment is exclusively about their connection, devoid of external distractions.
Chiron's hesitations in his speech underscore his ongoing struggle with vulnerability. However, Kevin, having always possessed a profound understanding of Chiron, creates an environment where this vulnerability feels permissible.
The subsequent sequence employs a series of shot-reverse shots, capturing Kevin and Chiron gazing at each other, revealing the complex emotions each experiences.
Chiron's internal conflict regarding self-acceptance has been so profound that he has abstained from physical intimacy with another man, remaining celibate since his encounter with Kevin on the beach a decade prior.
The cinematography within this series of shots significantly amplifies the emotional resonance.
The use of Steadicam enhances the sense of authenticity, as the camera fluidly moves with the characters, mirroring their subtle gestures. This visual element reinforces the notion that beneath his hardened exterior, Chiron's true self endures. A particularly poignant shot within this sequence captures Chiron and Kevin together in a side-profile frame, with the camera maintaining a steady, unmoving position.
The camera then shifts to Kevin, and a gentle smile gradually spreads across his face during the shot.
A crucial auditory detail emerges here: the distinct sound of waves crashing against a beach begins subtly and steadily grows louder, eventually overpowering all other diegetic sounds, a soundscape that persists for the remainder of the film.
The camera then cuts back to Chiron, who slowly straightens his posture.
His confidence visibly grows, bolstered by the profound realization that Kevin accepts him and comprehends the weight of his unspoken feelings. The warm, orange tinge that colors this scene evokes a sense of comfort and belonging, signifying that Chiron has found a space where he truly belongs.
The sound of the waves in this scene carries significant symbolic weight.
Across the film, the ocean has consistently represented a haven of safety and a space where Chiron can authentically express himself. Here, in this profound moment of connection between them, Chiron is finally able to be his genuine self. In the film's concluding shot, young Chiron stands on a beach, his back to the camera, gazing out at the vast expanse of the ocean.
The auditory landscape is dominated by the sounds of the ocean, accompanied by a melancholic piano melody.
The visual composition is bathed in a deep blue hue, a deliberate complement to the orange tones of the preceding scene. Through these final two shots, the film powerfully suggests that Chiron is finally poised to define his own identity, rather than allowing external forces to dictate it.
The world has compelled Chiron to adopt a particular persona for survival, but he is now determined to reclaim agency over his own narrative.
He is embarking on a journey of healing, now situated within a secure and supportive environment. This conclusion offers a sense of hope, tinged with an underlying sadness. The contemplative and somber quality of the piano music imbues the final shot with a bittersweet resonance.
This underlying sadness stands in stark contrast to the safety and tranquility that the ocean symbolizes for Chiron.
With Kevin by his side, he possesses the stability needed to navigate the complexities of self-discovery. He is on the verge of breaking free from the rigid mold of hypermasculinity that society imposed upon him. Chiron is now on a path toward achieving inner peace and embracing his true identity—to simply be Chiron, unburdened by labels, just Chiron.
"Moonlight" is a film that deeply moved me on an emotional level.
Every frame is visually arresting, and the narrative is unflinchingly raw and authentic. This perspective highlights how societal conditioning, influenced by community norms and media consumption, can equate masculinity with aggression, violence, and heterosexuality, thereby shaping one's perception of the world through a lens of hypermasculinity.