Moonlight is what drama is supposed to be. It's vulnerable, honest, and important. Through brilliant writing and acting, Moonlight calls attention to several social issues without ever feeling sanctimonious. This is because it treats its characters and audience with thorough respect. Although its protagonist is a young, black, poor, gay man, Moonlight never defines him by those labels. He's always a human first. That also goes for the drug dealers, drug addicts, and bullies. Nobody is dehumanized and, instead, their stories are used to highlight social constructs that deserve scrutiny. Ideas of masculinity, identity, isolation, and acceptance are delicately explored here.
Meanwhile, the filmmaking of Moonlight masterfully emphasizes its narrative. Fusing objectivity with surrealism, the film blends realities into an explosive experience. The cinematography combines steady and chaotic movement, natural and exaggerated lighting, and shallow focus. This produces an isolated atmosphere and reinforces drama. The editing is often fluid, yet stylistically fragmented during intense moments. The sound is symbolically muted, furthering feelings of disconnection. The music is elegant with contemporary punches. Lastly, the tone is extremely melancholy, creating an aura of palpable loneliness. Overall, Moonlight is an emotional force that will leave viewers with plenty to contemplate.
Writing: 10/10
Direction: 10/10
Cinematography: 10/10
Acting: 10/10
Editing: 10/10
Sound: 10/10
Score/Soundtrack: 10/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 9.3/10
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