ReelBob: ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ ★★★½
By Bob Bloom
At its core, Barry Jenkins’ adaptation of James Baldwin’s “If Beale Street Could Talk,” is a melancholy story about love and how it survives the direst of circumstances and obstacles.
The movie, set in the 1970s, also is about the systematic racism of the law-enforcement and judicial establishments, which find it easier to incarcerate young black men rather than thoroughly investigate the guilt or innocence of their alleged crimes.
A wistfulness and poignancy pervades the movie, yet it is neither tragic nor depressing.
Jenkins, who also directed, focuses on the strong bond between 19-year-old Tish Rivers (newcomer KiKi Layne) and Alonzo “Fonny” Hunt (Stephen James). They have been friends since childhood and, as young adults, are planning for a future together.
Both are supported by loving families; the strength and cohesiveness of the African-American family also is a theme Jenkins stresses.
Jenkins demonstrates the unconditional love of family in a sequence in which Tish reveals to her parents that she is pregnant. Yes, they are a bit shocked and disappointed, but they quickly show their support.
The idyllic future for Tish and Fonny is abruptly derailed when he is arrested and charged with rape — a crime he did not commit.
Jenkins, as in the novel, follows how the wheels of justice nearly grind to a halt, especially in a case involving a young black man. The families struggle to raise money for a lawyer, while the alleged victim has fled the city.
Tish, who narrates the movie, continues to remain positive, even as Fonny’s judicial circumstances become more and more precarious.
“Beale Street” is more a mood piece than a plot-driven movie. Jenkins leads you to become emotionally invested in Tish and Fonny. You wish them a bright future, even though you know — with each passing minute — that their chances continue to fade.
Jenkins deftly balances the movie’s love story with its social commentary on the inequities facing black men. Smartly, Jenkins allows the movie to quietly and leisurely unfold, giving you time to absorb and observe a world that only sees the color of its protagonists’ skins, rather than the goodness that dwells within them.
The scenes involving Tish and Fonny are so intimate and poetic that, at times, you feel as if you are intruding into their world.
James Laxton’s cinematography and Nicholas Britell’s score complement Jenkins’ vision. Both are mostly lush and soft, even when elements of the story are harsh.
The performances by Layne and James are honest and evocative. You empathize with their plight.
The fiery performance of Regina King as Tish’s mother, Sharon, is raw, yet intense. She will do anything to help Tish and Fonny, even tracking down the alleged rape victim and traveling to Puerto Rico, attempting to convince her to return to New York and clear the young man.
It is a heartbreaking moment as King demonstrates the depths of a mother’s love and commitment to family.
“If Beale Street Could Talk” was one of the best movies of 2018. It will linger in your memory because of its sincerity and compassion.
And, yes, it is distressing, but that sadness is nearly submerged by the rivers of devotion that flow among the major characters.
I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My reviews appear at ReelBob (reelbob.com) and Rottentomatoes (www.rottentomatoes.com). I also review Blu-rays and DVDs. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com or on Twitter @ReelBobBloom. Links to my reviews can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.
IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK
3½ stars out of 4
(R), language sexual content, violence