Moonlight has been cited as one of the best films of the 21st century. It was released in the United States on October 21, 2016, by A24, receiving universal acclaim and grossing over $65 million worldwide.
Filmed in Miami, Florida, beginning in 2015, Moonlight premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on September 2, 2016. It explores the difficulties he faces with his sexuality and identity, including the physical and emotional abuse he endures growing up. The film presents three stages in the life of the main character: his childhood, adolescence, and early adult life. The film stars Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Janelle Monáe, Ashton Sanders, Jharrel Jerome, Naomie Harris, and Mahershala Ali. Moonlight is a 2016 American coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Barry Jenkins, based on Tarell Alvin McCraney's unpublished semi-autobiographical play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.
