franki_xcx’s review published on Letterboxd:
First of all, I know that most people will not react to this movie the same way that I did, and I'm okay with that, but this really had an effect on me. There were a lot of moments that were hard for me to watch because of how much I could relate to it. I've been dying to see this since it was announced and wow did this deliver. I loved every detail of every frame of this film and I cannot wait to see this over and over again and keep it in my heart and mind as I continue life. I still am in awe that this movie even exists but the fact that it is incredibly well-made in every sense just blows me away.
The performances in this movie are reason alone to see this. Every performance is so heartbreaking and cathartic I just felt so immersed in this film due to truly outstanding work from all involved. The three actors that play Chiron in different parts of his life all were perfectly captured and all of them are young newcomers who deserve to go on to long and successful careers. Naomie Harris, Janelle Monae, Andre Holland and Mahershala Ali fill out the cast with equally great performances and I'm gonna need SOME award recognition for this excellent ensemble come awards season.
While everything in this film was spot on, the direction, score, and cinematography are also worth noting. These three components come together and create a beautifully poetic film about shame, sexuality, identity, heartache, and pain. I'm still just completely shook and in love with this film and it is not only the best film of the year so far, but for me one of my all-time favorite films. I remember when this ended, I felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I haven't been able to shake that feeling in the 6 hours that have passed since I watched it. I will never forget Moonlight.
