Moonlight Explained: Symbols, Camera & More 

Watching this film felt like I was watching real people

There's also symbolism of the cooked meal as Chiron is fed by those who love and care about him.

I really loved your analysis, ScreenPrism. But you missed one major symbol - water. Juan takes Chiron to the ocean where he learns how to swim. The ocean can be seen as God, as Juan, the father figure. Fast forward to when Chiron goes home, and there's an epic change done with such subtlety - the TV is gone. It's the beginning of chaos in his home. So what does Chiron do? He boils a pot of water, pours it into the bathtub and takes a bath, a crown of foam on his head. It's a beautiful and subtle cry for help, without the traditional melodramatic flourishes. Then the water theme, becomes, ice water, after Chiron is bludgeoned by Kevin. The ice water, later, introduces Chiron, in act 3, as Black. What do you think?

Each name is super symbolic. Little, a little child, small in this big, harmful world. Chiron, in greek mythology, a centaur who had a super complicated family situation. Black, cold, hard, carbon.

This explanation made me appreciate art of the film even more

I've never watched a movie and felt so deeply, like in every actors eye they evoked emotion.

what i thought was so incredible about this movie is the fact that each actor who portrayed Chiron. had the SAME body language & facial expressions. like it was AMAZING i actually felt like they were the same person growing up

I feel like the scene at the end when he looks over his shoulder could be represented as the true-self he really is. Out of his three alter ego he’s chosen little which is who he’s always been in the inside.

I love how Kevin is wearing a blue shirt in the final scene; that's not for no reason.

'We're different people in different stages of our life.' I realized how true this is. BTW nice analysis. Thanks for pointing out why Moonlight is absolutely a masterpiece.

Not to mention the color of blue in this movie. Its beautifully done. Every time you see the color blue in this movie, its when the main character is either being who he knows he is or being who he think he should be. Moonlight is simply a masterpiece. Nothing less

man even analyses of this film make me cry

One of the most well crafted and thought out films of this decade

That scene between juan and little man it was overwhelming the guilt juan feels when he tells him he's a drug dealer the shame of it and how you see him start to breakdown into tears great cast and overall beautiful film

The greatest symbolism that I found is the bath scenes within the three phases. Little heats up his water which represents his warm heart and his transition to becoming Black, he ices his face which meant he turnt cold.

I saw this film yesterday and was so moved when the character said he hadn't been touched for 10 years my heart broke. truly a master class in film making

I watched this film last night and can't stop thinking about how great it is! You did a great job of explaining all the reasons why the directing skills and the form supported the narrative and made for such an emotional impact! Great video!

if only Jenkins would win the oscar for directing

Great analysis. The actor who played the teenage Chiron was awesome, they all were.

I didn't think it was possible, but after this video I appreciated the movie more...

I think this was an absolutely fantastic film yet for some reason I didn't get sucked into the movie like everyone else has and after I finished watching it, I immediately came to this channel and I now know why this film has all of the praise and love that it's receiving...it's an actual piece of art that was made by a master filmmaker. The amount of respect, love and appreciation I have for this film has now changed completely. It deserved every award nomination that it received and every victory that it had and hopefully more films will be just as beautiful and deep as this one.

man i just love hearing people talk about this movie

It's so relieving to read the comments in here... I swear, the internet is full of rage towards this movie. People are claiming that this is part of some agenda, ignoring the fact that Moonlight it's mostly based on a true story. And, ironically, this rage usually comes from the black community. It saddens me how history repeats itself, and people always find some demographic to discriminate, even when, in the past (and even in the present, in some cases) they were discriminated too. At least we've got movies like Moonlight, that show us that despite all the bad things that happen in the world, there's still hope of finding love and tenderness in other people.

This piece, this profile has me in tears again. So much seen and shared in this epic masterpiece of a movie. I have watched it 13 times and I cried, I weep, I wake up a bit more with each viewing. This. Movie. Changed. Me. FOREVER!

I'm not sure if anyone else caught this but Chiron's name is spelled the same as Chiron the centaur from Greek mythology. If you look at both Chiron's' stories, there are a lot of similarities, such as the fatherly figure coming into their lives.

From a black man who grew up in Miami and watching this film it really pulled at my heart. Someone of the places In the film I worked at and have been to. An just seeing Chirons struggle really hit me.

Great analysis of one of the best films of last year

Moonlight deserved every award. Beautiful piece.

I noticed something interesting, which was the use of blues. We see the color blue a lot in the first act, which makes sense after we realize the person he admires is nicknamed "Blue". At that final shot, "Little" is completely surrounded by blue.

The best movie of the year

Pretty good, but I would hope people who view this don't see this as comprehensive in regards to what makes Moonlight a complete film. You touch on a lot but something that is really relevant is the influence of artists that Barry Jenkins took in to have a vision like he did for moonlight. The smaller details too, things like how the strings were composed for example. The score has influences of chopped and screwed hip hop in it, a deliberate choice Jenkins asked the composer, Nicholas Britell, to incorporate into the sound. The reason being is the mood that chopped and screwed remix gives a song is this feeling of gloom, despair, sort of hopelessness. And that's because the sound in a way mimics what it's like to listen to music when you're high off opiates (lean in the case of the pioneer of the style, DJ Screw, who died of a opiate and other drug overdose). It's an ugly, unsettling feeling and the music reflects that. So you got a song like "Middle of the World" that shows this pure scene with Juan and Chiron. Chiron is being taught how to swim by Juan and he gains a small understanding of what it means to be a person after he talks to him. The next new song we hear is "The Spot" when Juan is back in the cut and where he finds Chiron's mother. The song is reusing "Middle of the World"'s strings and mixing them around, kind of skipping them and having them be slowed and distorted. In effect, it's been chopped and screwed. Of course, it's not that pure scene anymore. You're in this scary, dark and uncomfortable area. Yet Juan is present in both scenes. It's quite a shift. You hear "The Spot" again as well in the transition to Black when he wakes up from the nightmare of when he mother yelled at him, yet this time you can hear her scream "don't look at me". Additionally, the appearance "Classic Man" when Chiron arrives in Miami and takes Kevin home is a chopped and screwed version of the song. And I don't need to even go into the strange relevance that song has to the movie because Pitchfork did it best. I'll trust you to look up and read the article by them, but I'll leave you with the two closing paragraphs: "“Classic Man” is a song of character assessment, if nothing else, but it's not to be believed. “Classic Man” is not the jam of a classic man, but a man who wants people to believe that he is a classic man. The song has the effect of someone haranguing an airline desk attendant, but confirming that he’s a nice guy over and over. How self-assured can you be if you’re running up to everyone on the sidewalk to tell them you’re self-assured? The whole thing is ultimately a bit of a bummer. There’s a depressive echo in “Classic Man” that I didn’t notice until Moonlight. Just after all of the “my name calling all night” and “I know many women want to be in my life,” there’s a coda: “Even if she go away, even if she go away.” Even with all this urging, there’s an underlying unease that maybe you can never be a classic enough man to keep someone forever. As if a classic man even exists. In sum: Moonlight is a movie that makes you notice all the melancholy there is to be seen in the whole entire world, even in “Classic Man.”" Again, this is just one small feature of what made this movie "complete" and in my opinion, a perfect film. But it shouldn't be glossed over and I hope people take the time to understand and appreciate what went into this film. Look into things like the cinematography, Jenkins' influences that he draws from people like Wong Kar-wai and Taiwanese New Wave artists and how they influence the movie, just all these little details that I couldn't name in just this small comment. It's lovely and an achievement, and it sure as hell got a fire in my ass to write seriously and pursue my passions in film.

This was one of the most beautiful and compelling movies I have ever seen. My husband and I could not stop talking about how that ocean sound in the 3rd act was so subtle and clever to portray the sensory triggers that remind us of special tiny moments from our lives. Thank you for helping us appreciate the mastery even more. The direction and cinematography was robbed of the Oscar, but really happy it got the accolade it deserved.

Cinematography in this picture was phenomenal. I really wanted Jenkins to win oscar for directing and I was sure the movie would win best cinematography but both went to La La Land. I was so disappointed, but it sure was the bast movie last year.

I got something totally different from this movie. Chiron's lack of love as a kid left him searching for it from anyone. It showed that he was still stuck in the past (little boy scene) at the end of the film. He was waaay more into Kev than Kev was into him. And he just couldn't let go. His mother was sick, twisted, and mentally ill. And his lack of any love or support really took its toll on him. Going through the gangster phase. I could tell how uncomfortable and unconfident he was. Bulking up, gold fronts, loud music, and shiny cars can never cover up the truth. He was desperate for somewhere to belong.

The film continued to suprise me. including 10 min ago at the oscars lol.

Great video. This channel is really underappereciated.

Also gotta mention the fact that chiron denies the nickname "black" in chapter two but in chapter three he has basically become kevin's "black" I like this detail very much

this movie was so emotional. very well done!

Best film in years.

Nice to have an American movie that can actually be analyzed.

WOW...this is like Cliff Notes to the movie! I love this dissecting of the film so much. Breaks it down the intricacies and tells of the skill and talent that earned "Moonlight" it's Academy Award. This is wonderful!

what a masterpiece.

This is actually the best film I've seen in this century

Moonlight has an excellent score.

the third chapter breaks my heart every time, an absolutely gorgeous movie

This analysis makes me cry. I don't know why I watch this over and over again. The narrator's voice is so soothing. I wanna pee myself and cry. 2016 as a movie year was GREAT. Moonlight, Arrival... it's like I was instantly provided with a breathing space for my mind.

Now I'm crying again ! 😢 this movie brings tears to my eyes it just that good

WOW that was beautifully and expertly explained. I totally get it. ❤❤❤❤❤ I cannot remember ever being moved by a film like the way Moonlight moved me. it took me a few days to fully process everything it made me feel and even now I am still processing it ❤❤❤❤❤

I just noticed the symbolism of ice ; the physical transformation of Chiron into Black coincides with Chiron plunging his head into ice cubes, what he apparently keep doing every morning after his beating. Water is the symbol of the emotional world, of emotions’ free evolution inside someone (that’s why Little learning how to swim and loving to be in tepid/warm water is symbolically important) while ice is the rigid/fixed and most cold state of water, which symbolizes total repression of them by Black.

God damn this is a great video. This channel is gonna blow up.

Fantastic video, this film is incredibly beautiful.

best video explaining moonlight so far, great job!

The thing is, I'm from there and just the sound of the breeze in the beach takes me back home. I closed my eyes for a moment in the movies and felt it. This movie was just great

Great break down of this brilliant film. See it if you haven't already

Dear Boyhood, this is how you do a movie over one person's life. Take note.

Bro just realized this was an all black drama.

this movie is the most beautiful thing

This captures why I think the film was so extraordinary. An outstanding essay with actual substance! You don't always see that these days.

I"ve rewatched this movie a couple times, always cry. And I've also rewatched this analysis (and several others). If I haven't said it before, Kudos ScreenPrism! You guys are doing an amazing job!

this is the best movie explanation I've ever watched

Incredible! This channel give me more reasons for love the CINEMA! I'm from Spain, please, follow with this type of videos, it shows us the truth of the filmmaking, share our feelings and thoughts. THANK YOU!

This is an EXCELLENT explanation! Thanks for the share! Moonlight is a brilliant phenomenon. Barry Jenkins really thought it through!

This movie is so delicate, intimate & gentle it scares me :( Love it from the heart ♥

Moonlight is a brilliant & masterful story, told in an engaging & captivating way.

I just finished this movie, I was moved beyond measure. The longing of love is real. This film is a masterpiece

This movie is what Frank Ocean music looks like

Thank you so much for making this video. I have seen Moonlight around 6 times now (I think it is by far the best film of the century so far) and I have noticed most of these aspect of moonlight and many more about how artfully beautiful yet substance filled and realistic it is, movies physically can't get better than this. I have used this video to explain what I mean about it being as good as a said to other people because u guys basically just explain it much better than me.

I don't normally like saying this but this film was a masterpiece. I loved your analysis of the movie. Immediate subscribe :)

I can't even deny that I cried like a little baby after hearing the symbolism behind this fantastic movie. I, thank you, for that.

Amazing film, great to have an auteur like Barry Jenkins coming to the circle. Also, great essay, subscribed and waiting for your future works.

Oh i didn't noticed a lot of things. Great analysis!

Brilliant video! Your deep and meticulous analysis of this "visual poem" has amazed me! Congratulations, well done ScreenPrism.

This film feels so simple and smooth but yet so deep, this level of effortlessness and attention to detail makes it a masterpiece. Thanks for the amazing analysis!

Now I appreciate the movie

I love every thing about this cinamantic masterpiece. The beauty,vulnerable;complexity,love,uncertainty, realist and depht of Chiron in all three expierences as boy,young man and older man, kevin ,Paula,Juan,Theresa ,the cinematography, writing ;casting , plot all awesomely woven together and displayed.

Just wow, I've watched this movie once and never again and only at the cinema, I don't want to spoil the power of it, this is such a universal film in the tender struggle and search for identity in a world full of noise, just beautiful and out of this world, haven't cried so much at a film ever, pure poetry

This film is a MASTERPIECE.

A wonderful analysis! Thank you!

Amazing analysis. I loved how you touched each aspect of the story and how it's portrayed with real sensitivity and a keen eye. I'd like to add that the way colour blue has been used to depict the transition in self identities throughout all the characters is to be applauded as well. The colours white and black have also used to compliment the use of blue . Really like your work. Keep inspiring!!

I watched this film a while ago and didn't really enjoy it or appreciate it as most other people do and I was so confused as to why? After seeing this I can perfectly see the art and the true message behind the movie that made me appreciate it more and understand why it won best picture. Well deserved and brilliant video!

why did you take so long!!!! Such a great analysis & nice video.

As someone who LOVES la la land and Damien chazzelle and fully respects everything he did with la la land, Hankins not wining best director will go down in snubs at Hitchcock levels. This was maybe the most thought out film if ever seen, every shot had a purpose. Chazzelle is great, but Jenkins' work is mastery.

This was one of the most beautiful movies i had ever saw. It stays with me from day to day and it does something to me unlike any other movie i have seen before it.

This movie means so much to me, I can't even express how thankful I am there is a movie like this on the market

This is without a doubt one of the best movies ever

When I first watched it I didn't understand what the hype was about, but thanks to this video I now understand. Great film

This film is gorgeous, and the sound design is just amazing. The final shot gives me goosebumps, great film

Whoever did the narration for this piece, thank you.

Amazing analysis, it makes me love the movie even more 👌🏾

Great analysis! Helped me understand the film waaaay better!

My mind is blown! I loved the camera work and music in the film but this really closes the loop for me. It's explained so well and articulate. Thank you for this!

Holy Hell! I love this channel. Please upload more, you deserve a million subscribers!

Great film. I love this channel, great video!

what an amazing analysis! I've just subbed! looking forward to more videos

your analysis made me love this movie so much more, it is definitely one of my favorites rn

This is a beautiful analysis. I just watched Moonlight this week for the first time in more than a year. Such a masterpiece. This is a story that is told for everyone. We all can relate.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS BREAKDOWN! Awesome

These are the reasons why I was so happy this film got Best Picture. Btw this is the first analysis I've watched on this channel and you've already got yourself a subscriber. Keep up the great work !

Every shot was perfect!!! So thoroughly thought through. I appreciated it so much. The use of lighting and color hues. Severed as an another narrator.

Its so weird because you subconsciously notice the camera shots & other subtleties in the film but whilst watching it I couldn't quite put your finger on why some scenes felt so powerful. This was a great video for explaining and making you appreciate the film as well as how it was made