Opened: October 21, 2016

Directed by: Barry Jenkins

Starring: Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders, Alex Hibbert, André Holland, Jharrel Jerome, Jaden Piner, Naomie Harris, Janelle Monáe & Mahershala Ali

Looking at the life of a black man struggling with his sexuality and identity in a drug run section of Miami over the course of three time periods, Moonlight manages to break many stereotypes.

Chiron Harris (Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders & Alex Hibbert) suffers emotional abuse from his drug addicted mother Paula (Naomie Harris). He finds solace in a kind drug dealer, Juan (Mahershala Ali), and his girlfriend Teresa (Janelle Monáe) as he discovers his identity.

The film is full of strong performances. Ali only appears in the first of the three acts but leaves such an impressive and heartfelt mark that his spirit carries over into the rest of the film.

Director and writer Barry Jenkins challenges the audience’s viewpoint of both the black and LGBTQIA+ community.

Final say: A defining film. ★★★★★