Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
After her fiance is falsely imprisoned, a pregnant African-American woman sets out to clear his name and prove his innocence.
Barry Jenkins' adaptation of James Baldwin's novel is a visually ravishing, deeply felt romance anchored by extraordinary performances from KiKi Layne and Stephan James. James Laxton's cinematography is luminous and painterly, with intimate close-ups that feel almost sacred. The acting across the board — including Regina King's Oscar-winning supporting turn — is deeply affecting. However, the plot moves slowly and the narrative momentum is limited, functioning more as a mood piece than a propulsive drama. The ending, which mirrors the novel's unresolved, bittersweet quality, may feel unsatisfying to many viewers, leaving threads deliberately dangling. While Jenkins brings a distinctive warmth and aesthetic to the material, the film feels less formally innovative than Moonlight, making it slightly less singular in its novelty.