Film review: 'Moonlight'

"Moonlight" is a film that draws you into a relentless intensity, from which you cannot escape. It's a coming-of-age drama unlike any other, told with such aching authenticity it permeates the soul.

The film charts the course of a young black boy's difficult life into manhood. Chiron (Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders and Trevante Rhodes), at age 10, is living with his crack-addicted mother (Naomie Harris), being severely bullied and questioning  his sexuality. He finds solace in the least likely place, when Juan (Mahershala Ali), a sympathetic drug dealer, and his girlfriend (Jannelle Monae) take him under their wing.

Juan becomes a mentor to Chiron, teaching him to swim and addressing the tough questions that a boy who rarely speaks needs answered. As if life isn't tragic enough for Chiron, he's moved to ask Juan, "What's a faggot?" In a beautifully blunt manner, Juan replies, "Its a word to make gay people feel bad." Eventually, Chiron has his first (and only) sexual encounter with his only friend, Kevin, as his repression evaporates on a moonlit Miami beach.

In the final episode, Chiron, who is now a grown man, visits his mother who's in rehab. But he's still searching for his identity. When he receives a late night phone call from the long-lost Kevin, Chiron embarks upon a journey that will finally put himself in control of his life. It's a tearful and quietly exhilarating moment.

Director Barry Jenkins ("Medicine for Melancholy") has brilliantly created a poetic piece of filmmaking while tackling painfully disturbing subject matter. His handheld camera swirls around as if it's making a home movie, raw and unadulterated. And by shattering stereotypes, Jenkins elevates this magnificent movie to one of universal appeal.

Expect plenty of Oscar nods for "Moonlight." Acting, directing, editing and scoring are nothing short of superb. In the closing scene, Barbara Harris' "Hello Stranger" plays on a jukebox. If it doesn't bring tears to your eyes, you might consider counseling.