“In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue”
Figures 1: Little, Chiron, and Black
Barry Jenkins’ film, Moonlight is an emotionally direct and visually compelling portrait of identity. Adapted from the unproduced play, In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, this austere coming-of-age story sets itself apart from the default for discussing social identity– swapping the clichéd happy-ending for an authentic portrayal of life. Moonlight chronicles the tri-fold story of a young black man over the most formative chapters of his life, experiencing the intimate highs and disturbing lows as he navigates maturation.
The importance of the father-son-like relationship is indicated in the retelling of a story from Juan’s youth in Cuba where “in the moonlight, black boys look blue.” This subtle metaphor is Juan’s attempt to tell Chiron that no one can ever define who he his nor dictate how to live his life. The conversation regarding Chiron’s questioning of slurs and sexuality is emblematic of the support Chiron receives from Juan yet longs for from his mother. The consanguinity between the two impresses upon Chiron’s life positively and negatively; primarily characterized as a father-son relationship, Chiron comes to see Juan as a best friend, feeling betrayed when Juan’s role in Paula’s addiction comes to light.
Figure 2: Juan the Father
Kevin, a friend and love interest, recognizes the struggles of sexuality in Chiron. The two fights, one in childhood and another in adolescence, show the destructive toxic masculinity in protecting yourself through violence—the last fight being Kevin’s attempt to mask his own complicated sexuality. Kevin evolves into the “romantic interest” of Chiron’s adolescence and adulthood. Chiron’s maturation is left with an indelible mark on his expression of sexuality as he explores with Kevin, the world of sex and intimacy. The mimicked demeanor and positive encouragement supports Chiron’s desire to act on repressed feelings, resolving the frustration embroiled in his sexual identity.
Figure 3: Kevin and Chiron’s Intimate Relationship
Chiron’s identity in adulthood derives from the superficial aspects of Juan in regard to his appearance, attributes as drug dealer, and identification through his moniker: “Black.” Paula, however, has an astounding effect on adult Chiron demonstrated by her radical change from abusive drug user to loving and accepting mother. Paula always perceived her son as “different,” that he “walks a certain way” and is “smaller than all the other boys”. One drug-induced rage scene depicts Paula screaming a slur at Chiron, to which the audio falls disturbingly silent. In recovery, she is finally able to vocally reassure her son of her love– admirably admitting fault.
Figure 4: Chiron and Paula’s Reconciliation
Chiron’s emotional catharsis, as a result of his mother’s acceptance, liberates his identity as he is no longer at odds with his sexuality. Chiron deliberately refuses acknowledgment of his identity and sexuality, keeping his head down but his eyes open. While disparate in age and wisdom, Juan and Kevin push Chiron to stand up for himself – leading to the physical embodiment of protecting ‘yourself’ in “Black.” By achieving closure and setting aside his façade, Chiron is comfortable in who he is. We see a boy on a beach covered in the moonlight—finally liberated.
Figures 5 : In the Moonlight
