Not much gore but plenty of menace. Characters are growing up in a drug-infested neighborhood where it's not clear who's an ally and who's an enemy. There are fistfights (one results in a bloody face), guns are drawn, and a drug-addled mother screams at her young child. One character attacks a classmate with a chair; schoolyard fights erupt and explode quickly into bullying, stark violence, and more.
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References to sexual acts; in a dream sequence, a teen boy appears to be having sex with his girlfriend (it's clear what's happening, but viewers don't see any nudity). Two young men make out (and more), though, again, we don't see much.
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Written and directed by Black filmmaker Barry Jenkins and adapted from a semi-autobiographical play by Tarell Alvin McCraney. The film celebrates Black boyhood as much as it depicts the realities of growing up in extreme poverty. Black characters are portrayed with nuance and depth. Homophobic slurs thrown at soft-spoken Chiron reflect a culture of toxic masculinity, yet the love he's shown by his father figure Juan and schoolmate Kevin reveals how tenderness can also exist. Chiron and Kevin grapple with their queerness in different ways, as their friendship slowly develops into something more intimate. Chiron's mother, Paula, struggles with addiction, which could be considered a stereotypical depiction of a Black single mother. The experience of being incarcerated is also referenced though not shown on-screen.
Your circumstances don't define you. And if you're lucky enough to find love, it may help you rise above a difficult beginning. Themes include compassion and perseverance.
Positive Role Models
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All of the characters are complicated. But that complication includes strengths. For example, young Little's determination to find role models despite being surrounded by neglect and violence. Also, Juan watching a kid who's not his own (a surprising act of kindness from a drug dealer). And Little Kevin's compassion for a peer who doesn't seem to be welcome in his social circle.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Moonlight is a moving coming-of-age drama that deals with intense subjects, including growing up in extreme poverty with a drug-addicted mom, drug dealing, bullying, and prison time. Most importantly, it tells of a young Black man's discovery of his sexuality in a world in which he feels helpless, out of control, and alone. Scenes include drug use (crack cocaine and weed) and social drinking. Language is strong but not constant; words include "s--t," "f--k," and more. Two scenes hint at sexual activity among teens; there's no nudity, but it's clear what's happening. Themes include compassion and perseverance, and, ultimately, the movie's message is a hopeful one: Your circumstances don't define you. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
I really enjoin watching this movie! It is simple but profound. It is the life written by the most personal experience but tells the most universal human life. The movie tells the coming-of-age story of a gay black boy. Unlike a scripted movie, Moonlight is more like a documentary talking about three main points of a black boy. I think the way of presenting the story which makes all the problems of the film super real and open, very close to reality. The plot of the film very sharply shows the problems that black gays face in society. The main character of the film, Chiron, is bullied because he doesn't meet the standards of masculinity and has a different personality. His peers also compare him to women to show how different he is. As an adult, Chiron decides to fit in with social norms and take on the look that people expect of him. But this doesn't change who he is at heart. The film shows how the environment continues to support toxic masculinity as a social norm that devalues all other forms of identification for human beings. Also, it emphasizes that it is worth keeping your identity, even if you must adapt to challenges and stereotypes.
I am obsessed with three sections of the story which make the movie beautiful and feel like it is the memory of someone. However, such a three-part narrative approach also leads to the problem of not being able to go too deep into the content of each part of the story. That is not a big deal. At the end of the movie, I was still affected by the sad tone of the movie and expressed my understanding and sympathy for the change of the main character. I follow the path of Chiron’s growth. At the same time, I sympathize with him, shout for him, and feel sadness about him. I am sad and angry about his situation and understand why he builds up strong muscles to protect himself. Despite race, gender, and any difference, I think I understand Chiron by watching the movie. As a student of education, this film is very important to watch and study. Not only because it is important to understand the worthlessness of social stereotypes, but also because this movie does not distort the image of gays, but reveals the essence. Moonlight provokes thinking, and this is the most essential part.
Breathtaking movie about transformation of an "outcast" according to today's standards. It has tons of swearing, neglect, and some mention of drugs. There is a brutal fight scene and a fast but noticing sex scene.
What's the Story?
MOONLIGHT follows the very rough life of its central character, known at various ages as Little (Alex R. Hibbert), Chiron (Ashton Sanders), and Black (Trevante Rhodes). In elementary school, kids mock him, never knowing what to make of a shy but defiant little boy. High school is even worse. Thank goodness for Kevin (Andre Holland), who befriends young Little and seems to accept him as he is. As does Juan (Mahershala Ali), a drug dealer who brings unexpected kindness and tenderness to Little's life, with the help of his girlfriend, Teresa (Janelle Monáe). But as Little/Chiron gets older, it becomes more difficult for him. High school proves to be extremely tough, especially since his drug-addicted mother, Paula (Naomie Harris), is much, much worse. His friendship with Kevin and a shared discovery about their identities sees him through, but it also leads to a physical confrontation that alters Chiron's life forever. Fast-forward to adulthood, and both Chiron -- who now goes by Black -- and Kevin meet up once more.
It's difficult to distill the power, grace, and grit that make this drama so unforgettable. Anchored by profoundly stunning performances from the entire ensemble, Moonlight manages successfully to be so many things at once -- a tough coming-of-age movie set in a rough part of Miami, an inspiring tale of a child so resourceful that he finds the light in the darkest of worlds, and a story of love and friendship. From the opening moments, it's clear that director Barry Jenkins is the capable captain of this ship, steering it through three main sections of Chiron's life. There's nothing at all contrived about it; the structure serves to illuminate the three stages of Chiron's life while ensuring that they're all connected.
The power of this movie is in how it strips all its characters of clichés, even if the situations they face have been seen in cinema many times before. The addict mom who barely takes care of her son is also a mom who loves him deeply; the drug dealer who kindly takes interest in a lost child can also be the intimidating criminal; and the pumped-up 20-something ex-con can also be a closeted gay man who longs for love. Bravo to Jenkins for juggling all of this beautifully. Moonlight is a beacon for those still trying to figure out who they are and how to become that person -- as well as for those who've already undergone that very difficult journey and come out on the other side. It's a triumph.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Chiron/Little/Black and how Moonlight depicts the challenges he faces growing up. Is the movie respectful of and empathetic to his situation? Does it give viewers a deeper understanding of the social and economic forces that shape his life?
Chiron is frequently a target for bullies at the various schools he attends. How does the film handle the subject of bullying? How did Chiron's circumstances shape the man he becomes?
How is drug use portrayed in the movie? What role do drugs play in Chiron's life, and in the lives of those around him? How does it impact their futures?
Do you think the film perpetuates stereotypes about Black women? Why, or why not?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
