Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartbreaking, mature, unforgettable coming-of-age drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Moonlight
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a beautifully emotional and impactful portrayal of a young gay black man's journey to understand his identity while navigating the complexities of drug abuse, bullying, and societal expectations. Although it contains strong language, brief violence, and non-explicit sexual content, many reviews emphasize its profound messages about love, acceptance, and the challenges of growing up in a disadvantaged environment, suggesting it is best suited for mature audiences and could serve as a great discussion starter for families.
- emotional impact
- identity exploration
- strong language
- serious themes
- suitable for mature audiences
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
MOONLIGHT follows the very rough life of its central character, known at various ages as Little (Alex R. Hibbert), Chiron (Ashton Sanders), and Black (Trevante Rhodes). In elementary school, kids mock him, never knowing what to make of a shy but defiant little boy. High school is even worse. Thank goodness for Kevin (Andre Holland), who befriends young Little and seems to accept him as he is. As does Juan (Mahershala Ali), a drug dealer who brings unexpected kindness and tenderness to Little's life, with the help of his girlfriend, Teresa (Janelle Monáe). But as Little/Chiron gets older, it becomes more difficult for him. High school proves to be extremely tough, especially since his drug-addicted mother, Paula (Naomie Harris), is much, much worse. His friendship with Kevin and a shared discovery about their identities sees him through, but it also leads to a physical confrontation that alters Chiron's life forever. Fast-forward to adulthood, and both Chiron -- who now goes by Black -- and Kevin meet up once more.
Is It Any Good?
It's difficult to distill the power, grace, and grit that make this drama so unforgettable. Anchored by profoundly stunning performances from the entire ensemble, Moonlight manages successfully to be so many things at once -- a tough coming-of-age movie set in a rough part of Miami, an inspiring tale of a child so resourceful that he finds the light in the darkest of worlds, and a story of love and friendship. From the opening moments, it's clear that director Barry Jenkins is the capable captain of this ship, steering it through three main sections of Chiron's life. There's nothing at all contrived about it; the structure serves to illuminate the three stages of Chiron's life while ensuring that they're all connected.
The power of this movie is in how it strips all its characters of clichés, even if the situations they face have been seen in cinema many times before. The addict mom who barely takes care of her son is also a mom who loves him deeply; the drug dealer who kindly takes interest in a lost child can also be the intimidating criminal; and the pumped-up 20-something ex-con can also be a closeted gay man who longs for love. Bravo to Jenkins for juggling all of this beautifully. Moonlight is a beacon for those still trying to figure out who they are and how to become that person -- as well as for those who've already undergone that very difficult journey and come out on the other side. It's a triumph.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Chiron/Little/Black and how Moonlight depicts the challenges he faces growing up. Is the movie respectful of and empathetic to his situation? Does it give viewers a deeper understanding of the social and economic forces that shape his life?
Chiron is frequently a target for bullies at the various schools he attends. How does the film handle the subject of bullying? How did Chiron's circumstances shape the man he becomes?
How is drug use portrayed in the movie? What role do drugs play in Chiron's life, and in the lives of those around him? How does it impact their futures?
Do you think the film perpetuates stereotypes about Black women? Why, or why not?
How does the movie convey themes of compassion and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 21, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : February 28, 2017
- Cast : Naomie Harris , Andre Holland , Mahershala Ali
- Director : Barry Jenkins
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , African American Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Writer(s) , Gay Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : A24
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Perseverance
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexuality, drug use, brief violence, and language throughout
- Awards : Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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