FIRST TIME WATCHING: Moonlight!!

This video was edited by:
Cameron Marek: / cameronmarek​
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Original Movie: Moonlight
*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. All rights belong to their respective owners.

[@BanyanTree1]

Juan disappears that way because the writer Barry Jenkins was trying to recreate how it felt to live in Liberty City, the neighborhood he grew up in Miami. People in the community just disappeared - maybe murdered, maybe arrested - and became the subject of rumor.

[@nullunit]

Exactly. To me it wasn't that jarring because that is kind of how it feels, one day someone is there and then they gone. If its's jail or death. it almost doesn't matter they are just gone from your existence, especially when you are a kid. Sometimes you don't know what happened until you are grown.

[@waynewizzing]

Tarrell* Barry Jenkins did not grow up in Florida, the writer of the play that became Moonlight did

[@BanyanTree1]

@@waynewizzing Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney actually grew up three blocks from each other in Liberty City, but didn't know each other growing up. But you're right. McCraney deserves all the credit for the original play. Jenkins adapted it into a screenplay and directed.

[@danielcastillo9587]

Damn

[@shiningfaceofluzon5594]

I didn't think there actually was a place called Liberty City IRL outside of GTA. Interesting

[@thewhatness]

_"You're the only man that's ever touched me."_ Look at things this way: the *entire* unfolding of events in this film is a journey to get Chiron to say those very words. One. Single. Sentence. That he has been choking back for a lifetime. Not truly embracing the authenticity of who he is or how he feels. Burying those feelings behind the facade of overt masculinity. The hesitation that forms on his lips just before the syllables greet air tells you everything you need to know about his character. "Who is you, Chiron?" asks Kevin. That sentence. _That's_ who he is. That is his authentic self. And he has spent the better part of his adult years keeping up a charade in pursuit of hiding from that sentence. But Kevin? He's the *one* person with the power to lower Chiron's defenses. And he asks him out in the open to reveal his true self to him. And then that sentence rolls in, not unlike the breeze the whole block would anticipate just to feel it wash over their skin. And we hear that same breeze emanating from the window. Moonlight is the journey of a man to reckon with the single most important sentence he's yet to say aloud. And damn, do I cry every time.

[@katherinhalpin8176]

I'm a bit late here, but just wanted to say that this is a beautifully expressed comment (and I agree with everything you said). Bravo, friend.

[@JeromeProductions]

Simply beautiful

[@osandoval5335]

Gorgeously said. Thank you.

[@KevinETaylor]

Your notes and commentary broke me down again. I just watched this masterpiece for the 32nd time and I always go looking for reviews and commentary, looking and listening to common spirit. You did it FOR ME at a level that really made me bawl and feel it deeply and not alone. Hugs. ❤❤❤

[@seign6703]

beautiful write-up

[@patricksmith6334]

You mentioned the sound design. My favorite moment is when he's in Kevin's restaurant and Chiron is becoming anxious but with the door cracked open and the cars passing by mimicking the sounds of the waves of the ocean. The ocean relaxes him and Kevin was ultimately his ocean.

[@AdamFishkin]

"Moonlight" happened during my days as a professional critic. When I covered it in November 2016 it was the longest review I ever wrote, because of how badly I wanted to express to people that everything that happens in the process of making a film affects how the story is told. Barry Jenkins is one of the two* most lucid filmmakers whose work I've ever seen on a big screen: he had purpose behind every detail but also trusted his cast and crew to deliver expression to add to it. (*The other one is William Wyler.)

[@alakesbrahms806]

That is an excellent eye you have for cinematography!

[@acdragonrider]

Wyler !

[@soulsimplistic]

When he was making amends with his mother, my eyes welled up. Nothing hit me more than family reconciling.

[@acdragonrider]

Same

[@afifahabdulrahman177]

That scene made me cry really hard

[@Faith99-r4m]

He still hates her, but he understands her.

[@kiwichlofro3733]

This movie left me crushed. The way he built up a physical armor to hide his true self at the end ...

[@Lady_Vengeance]

This film. Astonishing. One of the greats of the last decade. As another commenter said-A24 has been putting out the finest indie work for some time now. You can’t go wrong with their catalog.

[@BlackStudies]

So glad you did a reaction to this movie. The last shot with "Little" looking back at the camera gets me every time. It was set up so beautifully with the rehab scene.

[@jamesburgess2k]

It's great to hear that you want to expand your scope on the type of films you want to watch. My advice is don't be scared away by really old movies, there's tons of great films before the 70s that still hold up today. Also, if you want to follow the Oscars, the Best Picture winners can be hits or misses, but the screenplay winners are usually always gold.

[@Melancthon7332]

I second this wholeheartedly - there's almost no reactors doing movies before about 1975 and that is a damn shame.

[@thelonelydirector]

Absolutely incredible movie. One of the most moving things I've ever seen. Glad you decided to watch.

[@spiderfingers86]

Mahershala Ali is a two time oscar winner for this and 'Green Book'

[@theminingbat]

Please watch more films like this. Art house cinema is the best kind of movies.

[@owendavies312]

This film will always hit me. I never lived the hardships of his life but the parallel issues I've lived with Chiron will never leave me. Thank you meeting this with the tenderness it deserves x

[@AlasdairGR]

I wasn’t mature or understanding enough to really connect with and appreciate this film when I first saw it in 2017, but man, it has grown on me with every rewatch since. Barry Jenkins has become one of my filmmaking idols and I bawl every time I watch this and “If Beale Street Could Talk” PS: If you thought the score was great in this film, just wait till you watch “Beale Street”. One of my favorite scores of all time.

[@natanlopes4000]

As you pointed out that the movie takes place in Florida, it reminded me another film who is worth checking out, Florida Project.

[@sneekz07]

Nothing against action movies but they can all get a bit 'samey' after a while. Glad you're branching out.

[@jamesbowen2088]

That can literally be said about any genre of movie. No offense to rom coms but they can all get a bit "samey'. That's why it's important for new and unique stories to be made. All these remakes and reboots that keep getting made are just lazy cash grabs. They're easy for studios to just throw money at and quickly make money back. It's sad but it works. People need to stop paying to see those movies but that'll never happen.

[@GoldMegamind]

Please never use “samey” again :(

[@anirudhmenon4234]

The same can definitely happen with A24 films as well.

[@GoldMegamind]

@@anirudhmenon4234 hmm, well A24 films come in all types of colors and genres. Not so samey

[@sneekz07]

@@GoldMegamind I'll do whatever I want. Thanks.

[@ryeguy2256]

Such an amazing movie. Definitely check out some more A24 movies in the future. They’re all amazing

[@martinguzzoni6656]

never saw a A24 movie that i didn´t like.

[@ryeguy2256]

@@martinguzzoni6656 agreed

[@kevindober757]

She should Watch Inception

[@vodkapigeon.4682]

A ghost story is stunning

[@alakesbrahms806]

Waves and Mid-90’s are good movies too

[@ronin7997]

This was a pleasant surprise Nat. Glad you are venturing outside your wheelhouse and reacting to these film gems.

[@charleneraymond4036]

One detail that I absolutely love is the use of the colour blue. I think one of the things it represents is belonging and being yourself. In the scene at school Chiron wears a white top with blue strips and Kevin wears the opposite so it's as if they complete each other. Then when Chiron is being arrested Kevin is in a similar top but now it's all grey and white and Chirons is all blue as if he took all the colour with him 💔

[@captainsplifford]

Gorgeous movie. Everything about it is amazing, but the casting is just absolutely spectacular.

[@willmendoza8498]

In which we watch Nat get emotionally gutted on camera... This movie is a quiet but intense masterpiece.

[@Melancthon7332]

The fact that you're watching Moonlight just cements your status as one of my very favorite reactors. Even if the views are a lot lower than your blockbuster reactions, please keep watching movies like this! Always follow your heart, and not just what is popular in the reaction world. You recognize that this is a journey, and that's a big part of what makes you special.

[@icywinterof88]

The process of hiding away your feelings and emotions, hiding away kindness and love is such a common upbringing for a male. Being tough becomes the most important thing. Especially, when you're from poor neighborhoods. So to see it brought to screen like this, with even more complexities of sexuality. God it's just so powerful.

[@aboutthat1440]

All of Naomi's (the mother) scenes were filmed in less than a week. Due to having issues with her passport. She I from the U.K.

[@ajprice]

If you do more Oscar films, have you seen Parasite?

[@katrinalehto8767]

I think that would be a very interesting reaction.

[@JulianP311]

Parasite. Definitely!

[@MisterDevos]

So overrated its not even funny...

[@TheViiGo]

@@MisterDevos agreed

[@pallenda]

I would also like the see Natalie's reaction to Parasite. That movie and Jojo Rabbit are probably the best I saw in 2019.

[@masondane]

a movie in a similar vibe to this is 'waves' - its about a young black man balancing the pressure from his father to be a college wrestler and a toxic relationship in the end of high school and its so moving and a rollercoaster.

[@poselikeangels12]

I NEVER expected to see this movie as a reaction, but I'm glad (and a bit jealous) that you watched it for the first time. One of my all time favorite stories and I completely agree, the way they hold on the actors' reaction was very evocative and generous, and the lighting was *chefs kiss*

[@micahschulz1169]

Amazing movie, so glad you're watching it. You should watch Pan's labyrinth

[@Liam_Mellon]

Natalie: talks about a movie for 4 minutes straight Also Natalie: I really don't have much to say about this.

[@SarahRichardsGraba]

I know, she's does that every time 😂 maybe it's a bit? Or has become an inside joke in a way haha

[@AndrewLaSane]

Nat: *runs out of tissues 14 minutes in* Me: Oh no...

[@BlackStudies]

Jharrel Jerome, who plays Kevin in _Moonlight,_ was absolutely incredible in _When They See Us_ (Ava Duvernay's mini series about the Central Park 5). Part 4 focuses on Korey Wise (played by Jerome). That was the hardest one to watch, but his performance was absolutely amazing! Did not know he had a sister who was trans. That part absolutely crushed me.

[@ElliotNesterman]

If you've never seen it, Jacques Demy's 1964 masterpiece "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" well repays viewing. It's a beautiful romance as well as a significant film in the history of cinema. Though the film is sung through, being French the romance is realistic. The score by Michel Legrand is gorgeous, and two of the character themes had new English lyrics written and became popular hits: "I Will Wait for You" and "Watch What Happens." The recent restorations have brought back the lush palette of Demy's original vision. It is a film one never forgets.

[@Melancthon7332]

Great pick! She would absolutely adore it!

[@afrofriend9140]

This film does that for you. It hits you all in the FEELS.

[@hahaz85]

Tucker and Dale vs Evil!! You'll love it I think!

[@han_pritcher]

Koda came along because he knew you'd need emotional support :). A lovely reaction.

[@tmatthewnielsen]

I realize you're probably getting flooded with recommendations now, but speaking to your expanding movie intake, I'd be interested in seeing your thoughts on some classic films (as in 1930s-1960s classics). There are hundreds of truly great movies that are very easy for modern audiences to overlook. Films like "Gaslight," "His Girl Friday," & "Casablanca," -- directors like Hitchcock, Curtiz, & Welles, etc.

[@mjburrage5263]

I just watched _Moonlight_ (which I had missed completely) so your reaction wouldn't spoil it for me. So many thanks from film buff who sometimes misses great films due to being a sci-fi geek. 😀

[@LawNerd24]

Have you seen The Station Agent? Highly recommend.

[@nickthepeasant]

I've never clicked on one of your videos so fast..maybe Serenity 👀 A rare instance of the Academy getting it spot on, excellent choice, more like this please.

[@CrazeeAdam]

Bullies bully because they are generally afraid and insecure with themselves. So they have to act "tough" and yeah. Shit like this happens. It doesn't take a man to throw a punch, but it takes a man and adult to take one and get back up, to have the reserved confidence to not throw one back. Chiron is a real man. Unfortunately sometimes that means getting the shit beat out of you emotionally and physically. And taking it. Also I find it interesting that Chiron 100% grows up to be Juan, the only decent male model for him, even if he was a drug dealer. :(

[@garycoates4987]

A24 movies really dig into the character,, if you haven't you really gotta watch "The Witch" and "The Lighthouse"

[@gloryholebutforholdinghands]

Love having a big mix of films on this channel! Also Coda has taste 9:50

[@LightWingStudios12]

The fact I could only go to Nat's playlist to watch this video, speaks volumes

[@benmwall94]

Hi, Natalie! If you like this movie because it was like a play, then you'd also like watching Fences with Denzel Washington! It's from 2016 and I think it's almost word-for-word a film adaptation from a play. The dialogue and the suspense and the emotional impact from that movie is very similar to this one. I think you'd enjoy it!

[@DP-nl4uq]

Such a beautiful film. -“expanding” I think the word youre looking for - and it’s tough to watch things, there’s sooo much content out there. I used to be a fiend for it all and u just can’t keep up. -and I suggest Jojo rabbit if u haven’t seen it

[@zombiemom7378]

I second the JoJo Rabbit recommendation!!

[@sevatar2777]

Her: What a way to learn how to swim, in the ocean. My father: shit whips me into the sea while saying survive

[@ellesinky8667]

I was ugly-crying the whole of your reaction, like the first time I saw Moonlight (so happy I saw it on my computer and not in the cinema, I would have tried to refrain some of my tears and it would have spoiled my genuine experience to this gem)

[@Bhint320610]

I forgot how hard this movie is to watch. I’ve only seen it twice. Hits too hard.

[@DanielOliveira-pn1rg]

I love so so so so much watch your reactions! You have such a beautiful soul!! Lots of love from Brazil!

[@acidrain92]

wow surprising pick! Amazing film, but I'm not sure all the "film bros" will be happy about this one lol

[@NineAnutza]

The movie won 3 Oscars: best supporting actor, best movie and best Adapted Screenplay. Best supportive actress went to viola Davis for fences which she also won a tony for that same role in the play.

[@deecarnegie2107]

I thought the swim lesson was so beautiful. The ocean is a dangerous place as you said but it was probably the first time he was made to feel safe. 😩

[@matheusbastosdp]

Watching you get emotional got me feeling emotional and teary-eyed. I’ll never forget the first time seeing this film in a theater, as soon as the credits rolled, every one in the theater just stayed still and sat with their emotions. Please check out the films A Ghost Story, Waves, BIUTIFUL, and Children of Men. All beautiful, painful, and resonant films.

[@sandyk.]

If you've never seen Last of the Mohicans with Daniel Day Lewis I highly recommend it. Great story, great acting and the cinematography is beautiful.

[@pooty195]

I know they dont get as much views but i hope you watch more movies like this

[@olzenheimr]

Extremely brave and heart-filling film. Thanks for bringing this one back, Nat!

[@icywinterof88]

This movie is so beautiful

[@DylanMadd]

Love this one. Couldn’t stop thinking about it for a month. Nat‘s not the only one who didn’t watch this right away. But boy, when I did... destroyed me.

[@Oof-zv2fn]

Its not just being different that hits hard. Its just the trial; of living.

[@raymondkravitz2001]

I'm 29 and I have very bad intimacy issues due to my ex girlfriend being an abusive asshat. Even though I'm not gay, I related *hard* to Chiron. In my case though, the only woman that ever touched me, hurt me. I felt for Chrion.

[@smithstaa1988]

If anyone has been on twitter in the past couple of days you'll have seen that Martin Scorsese has been in the press saying that the art of cinema is being diminished by the likes of Marvel etc for the sake of business and that not many films do anything to contribute to the actual art of film-making or cinema. I'd say that Moonlight and Spike Jonze' 'Her' are among a handful of movies in the 2010s that really did that. Just a side note, would highly recommend 'Her' as a movie!

[@discocorpse]

Thank you for helping me better technically understand why this was so good. Put this one off until I saw you reviewed it, then finally watched it so I could come back and see your reaction. First time I was the one catching up to you 😊

[@MrUndersolo]

One of the best films of the last twenty years; maybe one of the best ever. I saw this in a rep theatre and when it ended, no one moved.

[@flexableferret]

Oscar winning films really doesn't mean a whole lot because there are so many films that get way way passed over. But, this is one that deserves. Watch Wall-E! Watch Donnir Darko! Watch V For Vendetta! Love your vids. So excited to see your reaction to Madalorian S2E8!

[@imptv]

Love that you watched this. Beautiful movie and your reactions took me back to my first time seeing it. Thank you for being so open to these characters and what this story had to offer.

[@cosdead46]

Beautiful film. Already anticipating tears.

[@doro626]

At first I was a little disappointed that the poll didnt have older BHM movies to vote on, but I saw Moonlight today and One night in Miami a few days ago, and those were both great films. I still hope you get to see "A Soldier's Story", even if privately. Though being an investigation movie, does make it reaction eligible.

[@vonDread]

You're my favorite reactor on KZbin, and I love that you're branching out like this.

[@Cinema_Is_Supreme]

Best Picture winner. Greatly deserved.

[@ryant.7976]

When you finish The Mandolorian and are looking for another series, you should add SHERLOCK from the BBC to the poll. Excellent series!

[@SarahRichardsGraba]

I love this movie. Thank you for sharing what you did about how addiction has intersected with your personal experiences/relationships. I have family who are addicts and luckily at this point everyone is in recovery. But yeah. Addiction is so so hard. For everyone. The addict too.

[@EnragedTofu]

Just watched this amazing film late last year on Hulu. So many great movies from that year.

[@natedogs212]

I"m happy that you are so successful doing these reactions....been a follower since the day you posted your reaction to A New Hope....

[@danigar]

Nat I really enjoy your reactions. Your knowledge of film combined with being so emotional and so empathizer makes for great viewing imo. It's great that you also get to react to more movies like these :)

[@kylearking8918]

The reason why you haven’t seen many Oscar films is because sadly not many other people have. Sure there is Titanic and Gladiator, but the majority of Oscar films are usually independent or less popular films that the majority of the casual movie going audience has just not seen. Thankfully these films get to be seen as a result of the Oscar buzz.

[@doro626]

He's a drug dealer, so I dont think hes too worried about a kidnapping charge. When she said "You gon keep sellin me rocks!?" that hit me hard. So many questions about Juan. Did he have a similar experience with sexuality when he was younger? What was the extended history between him and Chiron's mother? I didnt know it was on Netflix, so I found it other places. Maybe mention that part in the beginning next time Nat? Tell the people if they want to watch it, I saw it ( insert what platform you saw it on) . I saw a Night in Miami on Prime, so I looked for Moonlight there, and never thought to look on netflix ( everyone uses my netflix but me). As you do less MCU blockbusters, It may be a cool prompt to get people to see these gems. I almost watched your reaction without seeing the movie, but something told me, watch it first.

[@YourLoyalDeserter]

Great choice, loved seeing you react to this amazing film.

[@adipsia6154]

If you're taking recommendations, Sound of Metal is a beautiful and grounded film!! Highly recommend.

[@brainxtc2171]

It was fun watching your reaction. This is an outstanding film. So much humanity and pain.

[@CleverMonkeyArt]

FYI: Chiron is the name of one of the chief centaurs of ancient Greek mythology, known for his wisdom. Some legends have him sacrificed for something Zeus was angry over.

[@swordmonkey6635]

The mom is self loathing and self destructive. She takes her anger and bitterness out on the kid because she hates who she is and knows she's screwing up, but doesn't want to change her behavior, which makes her self loath more and project it out on the kid. It's a feedback loop. It's sadly common.

[@taylorl2460]

Great choice, this is such a beautiful and well made movie

[@mariofranciscofrancadasilv7929]

Hello there. Well there is 3 things i want to say, so here i go. First, i love this channel i'm seeing it for almost 3 hours on a roll. Second, this movie, i can't see it without crying the hell out of me. And third, but no less important, i am a terrible brazilian for not knowing about Caetano Veloso in this movie.

[@sweetcreaturejimin]

i’m the same with not watching a lot of award winning films because i’ve seen some that just seem idk like fake deep. awards in general are very irritating sometimes but many get popular and awarded bc they are genuinely great movies so i gotta give them a chance 😅

[@spiderfingers86]

Barry Jenkins won the oscar for best director

[@anastasx_]

Such a beautiful film and glad that you watched it! I remember crying so much during it.

[@andyhzzz143]

I can't think of a better film. It's nearly perfect. The dialogue when his bullies are talking to Chiron about Theresa imply that Juan is dead. I'm not sure if we're meant to infer that it was due to being in the drug trade or not.

[@vincentsweargen8436]

I've been watching your channel for some time now. I find it interesting watching you "digest" the movies you watch. This one is certainly outside of your norm. This is the story of lots of kids who look like Chiron. They have enormous issues to overcome, even if they aren't gay. This film speaks to the social and racial issues that plague our country. For many, and I assume you as well, find this life to be foreign. I've worked with children who live this daily. My wife and I four children, 3 daughters and 1 son. All of which are grown up now, but we've had to have hard...very hard conversations with them about the "real" world and staying true to themselves...as we help them learn who they truly are. It was difficult at times to watch some of your reactions but there seems to be growth and understanding in your watching of this film. Seek out more films that reflect lives that are completely unlike your own. Try watching "Greenbook".

[@abemrofchak]

My favorite movie of the 2010's And Naomie Harris (the actress who plays his mom) came in for two days and shot all of her scenes.

[@Huntress59]

And She is British. I love her acting

[@BlackStudies]

She deserved an Oscar for this film. She was the common denominator in two best scenes in the film -- The scene where Juan confronts her on the block (which probably cemented the best supporting actor award for Mahershala Ali), and the rehab scene.

[@lazyperfectionist1]

8:36 "Why does she have so much _animosity_ in her _heart_ for this man who- all he did was teach her son how to swim and feed him, one night." This is a woman life has not been kind to. She goes through some _very_ dark experiences.

[@handmightyhand4674]

This is one of my top three favorite movies. I recommend you watch City of God and La Haine.

[@ElliotNesterman]

Also, check out Alan Tudyk's new series on SyFy, "Resident Alien." Tudyk plays a shape-shifting alien stranded on Earth.

[@MatiZ815]

A24 does great films! I recommend The Disaster Artist if you're interested about the making of "the best worst movie ever". It's hilarious, fascinating and kinda heart warming.

[@trinkab]

Congrats on broadening your horizons!

[@TheSilence1]

Ooh. Excelent choice for a movie. Now you should do the legendary movie that inspired this one: In The Mood for Love, directed by Wong Kar Wai.

[@TheSilence1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHO6dKOedtprn80

[@desertfox2000]

Warren Beatty: "The academy award for best picture...." Faye Dunaway: "La La Land"

[@greggately5782]

This film is a masterclass in filmmaking. It bothers me whenever I bring it up for people to watch and they bag on it because ‘oh no’ it has themes that make them uncomfortable. Pretty sad.

[@Leon-wz1js]

As a one time resident in south Florida, and Miami, some of this looked accurate, and some of it looked like it was filmed elsewhere.

[@PatrickStar-li9vu]

Just watched this movie for the first times a few weeks ago and it was absolutely amazing.

[@Zralock79]

About the Oscar movies... you have to watch "The Green Book" or "Spotlight". Very good movies.

[@hiTocopter]

I think you'll enjoy Victoria (2015). The whole movie is shot in one take - no hidden cuts either, and it flows really well.