Why "Moonlight" is Overrated and Overhyped

"Moonlight," the 2016 film directed by Barry Jenkins, is often hailed as a masterpiece, but let's cut through the Hollywood hype and get real. This film, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, is a coming-of-age story about a young African-American man grappling with his identity and sexuality in a rough Miami neighborhood. It was released in October 2016 and quickly became a darling of the critics. But why? Is it really the groundbreaking piece of cinema that everyone claims it to be, or is it just another example of the film industry pandering to the politically correct crowd?

First off, let's talk about the plot. "Moonlight" is divided into three acts, each focusing on a different stage in the protagonist Chiron's life. While some might call this structure innovative, others might see it as a disjointed narrative that leaves the audience struggling to connect with the character. The film tries to tackle big themes like identity, masculinity, and race, but does it really say anything new? Or is it just rehashing the same old tropes we've seen time and time again?

The film's pacing is another issue. It's slow, and not in a contemplative, thought-provoking way. It's slow in a "when is something going to happen?" kind of way. The long, lingering shots and minimal dialogue might be seen as artistic by some, but to others, it's just plain boring. It's as if the filmmakers were more concerned with creating a visually stunning piece of art than telling a compelling story.

And let's not forget the acting. While Mahershala Ali's performance as Juan, a drug dealer who becomes a father figure to Chiron, is commendable, the rest of the cast delivers performances that are, at best, serviceable. The film relies heavily on the actors' ability to convey emotion through silence, but this often results in scenes that feel flat and devoid of energy.

Now, onto the real reason "Moonlight" received so much attention: its social and political implications. In today's climate, a film that addresses issues of race and sexuality is almost guaranteed to receive critical acclaim. It's as if the film industry is so desperate to appear progressive that they'll shower praise on any film that checks the right boxes, regardless of its actual quality. "Moonlight" is a prime example of this trend. It's a film that was made to win awards, not to entertain or enlighten.

The film's success is also a reflection of the current state of Hollywood, where virtue signaling is more important than storytelling. By awarding "Moonlight" the Best Picture Oscar, the Academy was able to pat itself on the back for being inclusive and forward-thinking. But at what cost? Are we sacrificing quality cinema for the sake of political correctness?

In the end, "Moonlight" is a film that is more about what it represents than what it actually is. It's a film that has been elevated to a status it doesn't quite deserve, simply because it aligns with the current cultural narrative. While it may have resonated with some, it's important to question whether its acclaim is truly warranted or if it's just another example of the film industry pandering to the liberal agenda.