If Beale Street Could Talk

Starring: Kiki Layne, Stephan James, Regina King, Dave Franco, Colman Domingo, Brian Tyree Henry

Director: Barry Jenkins

Based on the book "If Beale Street Could Talk" by James Baldwin

After her boyfriend Fonny (Stephan James) is falsely accused of raping a Puerto Rican woman and sent to prison, Tish (KiKi Layne) finds out she is three months pregnant. With the help of her mother Sharon (Regina King) and father Joseph (Colman Domingo) she sets out to prove his innocence so he can be released from prison before the baby is born.

Reuniting with his Moonlight cinematographer, James Laxton, Barry Jenkins has put together a stunning looking film, shot in a stunning color palette and filled with beautiful close ups.

There is strong emotional weight to the film, as the film cuts between the romance between Tish and Fonny pre his wrongful incarceration and the quest to free him. The performances of Kiki Layne and Stephan James sell their love and their relationship is quite raw and tender. You buy that these kids are really in love.

Also deserving of recognition are Regina King, Colman Domingo, and Bryan Tyree Henry. King has a powerful scene right off the bat when squaring off against Fonny’s uber-religious mother who calls Tish’s pregnancy an abomination. And Henry has a show stopping bit about his time spent in prison. Despite him showing up in numerous films this year, please cast this dude in everything. His range is astounding.

I haven’t read the book so I don’t know how it compares. Do yourself a favor and see this beautiful film.