Posts
Imagine meeting someone and knowing they’d be imprinted on your soul forever. Every encounter you had with them was memorable. A sizzle in your spirit that cannot be extinguished despite circumstances like distance and the social construct that is time. You two were written in the stars. Instant folklore that your descendants will be recounting on wraparound porches long after you’ve gone on to glory. Yeah, that kind of love.
Scene 1: The Road Trip- As a youth, Kevin was a player- but to Chiron, he was the epitome of romance. He took his time, actually cared for, and listened to what our sable-skinned protagonist had to say. That is hard to come by no matter your circumstances, but Chiron knew he would never find another like that so he abstained-for years! Chiron was a beautiful man who had been hardened by life. His beauty, strength, and intelligence were effervescent. He could have had whoever he wanted. He spurned potential romantic interests because they were not Kevin. He held out for as long as he could. His emotions had reached a fever pitch, so he decided to take a ride. When prodded about what his expectations were. He simply said “a hug and some conversation”. A HUG AND SOME CONVERSATION. It wouldn’t be a big deal, but he drove from Atlanta to Miami non-stop to see this man. Mans logged twelve hours in hopes to simply chit chat and feel the warm embrace of a trusted soul. Put yourself in his position; riding down I-75 replaying every moment shared-
an hour passes-anticipation builds- another two hours flies by--heart racing. You realize there is more road behind you than in front of you. It is too late to turn around. Your mind is spinning while trying to anticipate what is going to happen and then you arrive. Exhale- this is a demonstration of love. In that car, on that road Chi was not asking Kev to be, do, say anything-- he simply wanted him to be there when he arrived so he could lay eyes on God’s greatest work.
Scene 2: Soul food- Chiron arrives and sees Kevin. He is greeted and visually nervous. Understandably so, you would be too. Small talk is exchanged. Kevin is a chef. He says, ‘let me cook for you’. I can stop here, because honestly when someone makes you a meal with as many moving pieces as arroz con pollo has, that is love. I do want to bring your attention to the fact time slows down during this scene. A diner once full of people is now filled with bated breath, longing, and two people with a lifetime of catching up to do.
Scene 3: Night drive- After being fed, and the conversation he drove 12 hours for had begun, the evening continues. They hop in Chiron’s car. Kevin is leaning against the passenger door. The moon is the backdrop and its beam is setting the mood. The look that Kevin’s giving is one that is burned into my memory. I can close my eyes and see it. The look in his eyes, that posture, his facial expression- all exude a smoldering, sex appeal that I have not come across on film. I felt it. It made me think that if Chi wasn’t going to take advantage, I definitely would. This scene showcases the love that is purely physical-carnal even. Love of the human form and imagining what their heartbeat sounds like up close.
If Barry Jenkins never did anything, he gave us Moonlight. This beautiful love story. The actors breathed life into these characters so convincingly that my prayer for everyone is to know moments like these.
So I ask again, have you ever met someone who felt like a neck kiss? Chiron did. This type of love is life-changing, I can’t wait for you to experience it. Savor it. Write it down in the family bible. For it is surely the birth of a generation.
Asè
