The first trailer for Barry Jenkins’ dreamy and introspective drama “Moonlight” is here, taking us back to 1980s Miami at the height of Ronald Reagan’s war on drugs.
The film marks Jenkins’ long-awaited followup to his 2008 drama “Medicine for Melancholy.”
A24’s “Moonlight,” executive produced by Brad Pitt, stars relative newcomer Trevante Rhodes as a man named Chiron. The film covers three different time periods in his life as he confronts the struggles presented by his rough neighborhood and comes to terms with his sexuality.
“Moonlight” is of the Toronto International Film Festival’s most anticipated titles. The new trailer has a sweeping, dreamy Terrence Malick feel and is already the subject of some early Oscar talk.
Through the gorgeously shot montage, we get the keen sense that Chiron had a tough childhood, especially when he says, “I try to forget all those times.” He gets beaten up by classmates during his teen years and two people who appear to be his parents, played by Naomie Harris and Mahershala Ali, say they know exactly why.
Andre Holland (“The Knick”) is also featured in the film as a man who may have been one of Chiron’s early paramours.
The film is based on the play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue” by Tarell Alvin McCraney and marks the first feature to be developed in-house at indie film distributor A24.
After its premiere at TIFF in September, “Moonlight” opens on Oct. 21.