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Friday, March 29, 2024

‘Moonlight’ illuminates issues in Indy

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Among a medley of blues, pinks and whites, we are painted through this epithet that unfolds in three phases of struggle, humanity and self-awareness. The film “Moonlight” follows the journey to “aha” from the vantage point of the shy protagonist, Chiron.

Growing up in drug-infused Miami, Chiron (nicknamed “Little”) is short in stature but resilient in character. Often left out and bullied for his demeanor, all the while neglected by his mother (played by Naomie Harris), Little — who is stunningly played by Alex Hibbert — finds refuge in local drug dealer Juan, who takes to the young boy in his time of need. A touching relationship ensues of mentorship , a narrative often overlooked in the Black experience. 

In this safe space, Little finds the opening to confront his internal conflicts under the encouragement of his surrogate family of Juan (Mahersala Ali) and girlfriend Theresa (Janelle Monae). In a surprising exhibition of grace and humility,  Juan’s character, while seemingly the quintessential depiction of masculinity, is kind, accepting and patient , breaking many stereotypes of Black masculinity.

A tender portrayal of curiosity, sexuality, friendship, family and belonging, phase two, (aptly titled “Chiron”) depicts Chiron as a teenager played by Ashton Sanders, dealing with increased bullying, the loss of his mentor, the deterioration of his mother’s addiction and the burning challenge of his sexuality under the microscope of his homophobic classmates. Amidst a simple moment on the beach, Chiron is guided to respite by his childhood friend Kevin, who affectionately calls Chiron “Black.” The two share a deep yet quaint minute of intimacy, and for the first time, Chiron begins to embrace his desires, only to be snatched backward by the physical abuse of classmates. In emotional retaliation, Chiron finds himself under arrest, thereby altering the course of his life.

The final stanza, titled “Black,” shows the resiliently quiet Chiron 10 years older and navigating manhood. A changed man, the now-drug dealer Chiron has the physique of a boxer that does well to disguise his still confused thoughts. Reconciliation with his mother leads Chiron to revisit his old friend Kevin and confront emotions he’d kept bottled for the past decade. 

“Moonlight” is a movie of dignity and prose, with minimal dialogue and beautiful coloring. It’s a movie of questioning and emotional intelligence. 

In its outlining of this universal storyline of community woes and untraditional family ties, one can’t help but draw parallels to their own neighborhood landscape. The archetypes that exist in streets, cul de sacs, projects, houses and schools in Indianapolis are no different than those in Chiron’s life.

Recently, Indianapolis experienced a massive drug raid focused on its east and south sides. With more than 200 arrests made, $64,000, 30 firearms and more than 20,000 grams of drugs seized, it’s easy to forget the individuals attached to these circumstances are real people and not the scourge of society. What local drug dealer like Juan is conflicted while mentoring someone in need? What mother like Chiron’s is struggling through an addiction while witnessing the demise of her family structure? What child is wading through these murky waters without proper guidance? 

According to IMPD Chief Troy Riggs, these sweeps are a strategized multi-agency effort meant to reduce crime and poverty. Yes, tactics like these are a show of force and an initial step, but I can only hope that IMPD’s community outreach efforts consist of complementary practices beyond these raids. With these communities shaken up, it would be naive to think that there weren’t behavioral structures engrained in their regional socio-economic ecosystems that have been disrupted and altered. 

Upon the removal of drug runners and associates in these neighborhoods, I am forced to think of the dual lives they lived and consider not just their deeds outside the law, but also their positions of authority within their respective communities. 

Watching “Moonlight” stalls my gut reaction that defaults to judgment of street entrepreneurs. Not dismissing the immorality of their actions, they are resourceful and providing a network (however uncertain) of stability to their neighborhoods. The story of “Moonlight” compels the viewer to dig deeper  —  to see the lives behind the fronts. A beautifully complex web of emotions, “Moonlight” challenges the viewer to observe how differently things appear beneath the glow of the moon. What obscured details can be uncovered?

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