If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

In early 1970s Harlem, a young girl (Kiki Layne) and a young sculptor (Stephan James) are childhood sweethearts who hope to get married. But before they can be married, he is accused of rape by a woman (Emily Rios). With the support of her family, when she becomes pregnant, she continues to fight to prove his innocence. Based on the novel by James Baldwin and directed by Barry Jenkins (MOONLIGHT). Jenkins' MOONLIGHT was a phenomenal piece of film making so expectations were high on this follow up vehicle. I wasn't disappointed. BEALE is a lovely film, at turns heartbreaking and joyful. The film's methodical pacing makes the film seem longer than it is but it's necessary to linger over these moments and not rush through. Baldwin's book came out in 1974 but its topicality makes it relevant in 2018. Baldwin's voice resonates through out Jenkins' beautifully crafted adaptation, there's the anger and the despair is there but so is the eternal hope. The performances are impeccable with Regina King as Layne's mother especially notable. The superb underscore by Nicholas Britell may be the best film score I've heard in a 2018 movie. With Brian Tyree Henry, Colman Domingo, Michael Beach, Finn Wittrock, Dave Franco, Diego Luna and Aunjanue Ellis (only one scene but she kills it).