I don't know what to say, how to say it and in what way to tackle this movie. It's hard, and I feel as though I can hardly find my words. I have a huge headache so I'm prone to making some mishaps, so bear with me. Moonlight manages to display a cogent plot spanning over the youth, adolescence and mature segment of the main character, Chiron in a way that stirs you.

From the outset, he's different. He's not like everyone, and gets bullied because of that. It becomes instantly clear how Barry Jenkins decides to frame his main character in that light. He's an introspective, overly quiet individual with some serious issues on the inside due to his mother's untimely addiction that ultimately leaves him without a solid constitution in the family department. It's very damaging, and while the story is as tender as claimed, I did feel the first half dragged on way too much and felt more arduous that what it should have been. Of course, that can be struck-through when you consider the other amenities offered here.

The second part is where the narrative picks a good momentum and, subjectively, entails the most unnerving scenes. And by "unnerving", I do refer to that particular fighting scene, you know which one I'm talking about (I really want to avoid handing in spoilers because I advise going into this not knowing anything) - and also that one eponymous scene pertaining to the main character's sexuality.

Third part is where it all wraps up nicely and the impeccably coiled plot seems to show its snarls. Whenever I thought it was going to prowl onto a delicate matter with abrasiveness I was proven wrong, so it's always a nice thing that there is no despicable trait of the main character. The ending, which many have deemed cathartic, is...decent?.

I would also like to address the cinematography that this film so cordially embraces. It's done right. I adore the way it chooses set the focal onto its characters. Blue and purple hues encompass this beautifully, withal, the lighting is gorgeously propagated, while the gauzy composition enthralls you. Textbook stuff, and the music that ensues from each scene couldn't have been placed better. It's delivered with great aplomb, all it has to offer, and yet, it doesn't seem overly-stylish nor drab. It's always lovely to find a film spackled with such perfect balance. It's a touching story that springs at you fitfully, successively tackling one matter after the other. It tackles the socio-emotional aspect firstly, then single-handedly plunges onto racial, familial, and, most of all, sexual issues in high-fashion.

The actors chosen to represent three segments of life portrayed in the film are well-suited, but Mahershala Ali was absolutely fantastic. I find it hard how there can be a film that can compete with this, but I haven't seen La La Land, and so I don't have a full grasp on whether it is the right choice or not to claim this as the best of 2016, but, indubitably, it is amongst one of the better entries.

Oh, and about the Frank Ocean analogy. I adore Frank's work and reckon Blonde plus this film in the background is pure bliss. And, also, "Middle of The World" is an absolutely breathtaking musical score. Check it out!