If Beale Street Could Talk

Parental Rating: R

Contains: Language    Nudity    Adult Content    

Jill's Review

Opens December 25, 2018

Runs 119 minutes

Tish (Kiki Layne) and Fonny (Stephen James) are young, beautiful and in love. They have hopes and dreams, even if things are often difficult for young African Americans in the early 70's. They know their love is all they need. Then, Fonny is arrested for a rape he did not commit. And, Tish learns she is pregnant and must tell Fonny from across the prison window. Their love will be tested as Tish and her mother Sharon (Regina King) work tirelessly to prove that Fonny is innocent. 

This is a beautiful film. Tish and Fonny are so attractive and Barry Jenkins (the Director) films them often in close-up. We can see and feel their emotions written across their faces. As Sharon, Regina King is a dynamo, working to try to free Fonny from prison. The acting is top-notch all the way around. My problem with the film is that is feels very long and slow. And, there are certain situations that don't really make sense. Like, why did Sharon go to Puerto Rico to face down the witness against Fonny and not the lawyer? Just some little things that bothered me. The film is good but just not quite as good as Jenkins first film Moonlight. So, yes it is still worth seeing. And, if you liked Moonlight, you will still like this, also. 

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