Film: “Moonlight” (from 2016) directed by Barry Jenkins

"Moonlight" left me speechless--fortunately for FB, temporarily. The story of an African-American kid whose mother is a junkie, who is bullied as a gay teenager, and who becomes a dope dealer as an adult is utterly depressing and feels fairly menacing.

Like no other film I've seen, though, it truly defines what it means to grow up lonely, gay, and tormented--with the added burden of growing up poor and without hope.

Tough to watch but a masterpiece in every respect: from the understated acting, languorous pace, Miami Beach scapes, gorgeous close-ups, and luscious cinematography. So watchable that during the last half hour, set in a Miami diner, I could barely breathe. With touches of "Brokeback Mountain" and Gore Vidal's "The City and the Piller" thrown in. Believe the hype; go. Written and directed by Barry Jenkins. (Sunday)