Moonlight

Moonlight is a fantastic drama that deals with many important and well portrayed issues. The biggest thing I think really struck me was the use of water as a motif throughout the film. During each section there is a scene where either the main character is at the beach, using water, or the ocean is heard/shown. To me, this motif is used to show Chiron's real self. This is where he becomes his true self. If you notice, it is also some of the only moments where Chiron is shown to be complete. In the first section as a young boy Juan is teaching him how to swim, allowing him to forget about the bullies and family struggles. Another scene happens when Chiron runs a bath for himself to have a moment of peace and boils water in order to have warm water (I heavily relate to this moment because I've lived without running hot water and have had to do this exact thing). In the second section Chiron has his first sexual experience with his friend Kevin. However, they share more than just a quick sexual moment. They have a really deep emotional conversation that really connects them as more than just friends. And in the final moments (this one is less obvious) Chiron goes with Kevin back to his house that is right on the beach. You can hear the waves crashing outside. The last shot of Kevin holding Chiron exemplifies the feeling of freedom and vulnerability that Chiron has. He opens up to Kevin, and becomes vulnerable by showing who he really is. Honestly it was one of the most beautifully done motifs I've seen in awhile. To be honest, I was expecting Chiron's sexuality to play a bigger role in the film than it did. But I think that made me realize that the film isn't just trying to show acceptance of who you are (even though it is), but is going for something bigger than that. I think the bigger theme here is expectations vs. reality. Throughout the film, many different characters express expectations for each other and Chiron. These expectations are what many people struggle with. The reality of such is generally separate or distinguishable from the expectation. I see the point of the film as a combination of the two things I mentioned earlier. Accepting your real self.