"If Beale Street Could Talk" is a Cinematic Masterpiece

Barry Jenkins has dazzled us again with an ethereal story of love that is still poignantly grounded in reality. 

'If Beale Street Could Talk' is based on the novel by James Baldwin, one of my favorite iconic  American authors who spoke volumes as a gay, African American man living during the mid twentieth century and explored issues of race, class, and sexuality in Western societies and more specifically in the United States. 

The movie is based in 1970's Harlem, New York and features an exceptional star-studded cast including: Stephan James, Regina King, and Kiki Layne.

Stephan James plays Alonzo "Fonny" Hunt,  a man who is wrongfully convicted of a rape despite mounting evidence to show the contrary. Kiki Layne plays Clementine "Tish" Rivers, his beloved who is also pregnant with his child.  I found the love story tender and poetic. 

Over all, 'If Beale Street Could Talk' is a moving tapestry that opens up important conversations of racism in America. The soundtrack is equally compelling. I recommend this movie. 

Rating: A