Writer/director
Barry Jenkins adapts If Beale Street
Could Talk, based on James Baldwin’s novel, a tale of love and tragedy amid
the turbulent sixties that is extremely well-acted. In some ways it is a more
accomplished film than his previous Oscar winning Moonlight.
Set
in 1960s New York City, two young black lovers, Tish (KiKi Layne) and Alonzo
(Stephan James) are on the brink of
happiness and a life together, when a cruel turn of fate puts Alonzo in
prison after Tish announces she is pregnant.
Her family closes ranks and faces a frustrating judicial system at a
critical time in civil rights history. Tish’s
mom, Sharon (Regina King), tries to find justice for Alonzo and a new trial despite
the cost and sacrifice. Lives will be
changed forever even as love remains.
The
film conveys the often hopelessness of a black male in the 1960s and how
precious lives are upended by racism. Despite
its dire overtones, it’s also a nostalgic film about hope, the strength of
family, and a mother’s love. (King has a
pivotal scene that is heartbreaking and poignant, the kind that Oscar loves.) In
addition to the racial disparity, the film is also a glimpse at the
traditional, old fashioned roles of wives and mothers.
The
film’s structure flashes back and forth between the couple’s courtship and their
desperate situation. There are beautifully captured vignettes
enhanced by a haunting music score. At
times the subjective camera pulls the audience into a more intimate point of
view.
It’s a commentary
and a time capsule of its period, but it is foremost a love story whose memorable,
haunting sights and sounds will stay with you. (This
should have been nominated for Best Picture.)
***1/2 of **** stars
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