Payton's Presentation on Moonlight

Under the moonlight of the impoverished Liberty City of Miami, a young black man by the name of Chiron comes of age and navigates his journey of identity, sexuality, and self-acceptance along the way. Moonlight (2016) is a coming-of-age drama film that is also an Oscar Best Picture winner that beautifully encapsulates the journey of Chiron Harris as he moves throughout three key stages in his life: youth, adolescence, and adulthood. The powerful and moving storytelling carries throughout Chiron Harris' story, following him while he is bullied, exploring masculinity and sexuality, and struggling with an addict mother who fails to show love to Chiron when he needs it most.

Trailer:

Adolescent Chiron seen plunging his head into a sink full of water after a physical fight instigated by his bullies with a boy he is in love with.

Young Chiron is seen standing on a beach under the moonlight, looking out into the ocean.

Young Chiron being taught how to swim in the ocean with a man who becomes a fatherly figure to him. Despite this man being his mother's drug dealer.

Film Significance: 

Moonlight contributes to cultural discourse by delving into the complexities of identity, masculinity, and sexuality in the context of the African American experience. Numerous societal themes are covered in the film such as homophobia, toxic masculinity, poverty, bullying, and addiction. Moonlight challenges stereotypes associated with black masculinity and homosexuality, a perspective that is often underrepresented in mainstream cinema.

This film provides a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of a character who doesn't conform to traditional expectations, thereby challenging societal norms and fostering understanding. There is emphasis on silence and subtext, allowing the characters unspoken emotions and internal struggles to resonate with the audience.

Discussion Questions: 

Moonlight is a very introspective character-driven film where there is little to no plot involved. Without knowing the film won Best Picture at the Oscars, do you think these type of films would bode well with audiences? What type of reaction would you assume this type of film would get?

How might the film's unique narrative structure, divided into three distinct chapters, enhance or challenge the traditional storytelling experience?