Three time periods - young adolescence, mid-teen and young adult - in the life of black-American Chiron is presented. When a child, Chiron lives with his single, crack addict mother Paula in a crime ridden neighborhood in Miami. Chiron is a shy, withdrawn child largely due to his small size and being neglected by his mother, who is more concerned about getting her fixes and satisfying her carnal needs than taking care of him. Because of these issues, Chiron is bullied, the slurs hurled at him which he doesn't understand beyond knowing that they are meant to be hurtful. Besides his same aged Cuban-American friend Kevin, Chiron is given what little guidance he has in life from a neighborhood drug dealer named Juan, who can see that he is neglected, and Juan's caring girlfriend Teresa, whose home acts as a sanctuary away from the bullies and away from Paula's abuse. With this childhood as a foundation, Chiron may have a predetermined path in life, one that will only be magnified in terms of its problems when he reaches his difficult teen years when peer pressure affects what he and many of his peers do, unless he follows Juan's advice of truly making his own decisions for himself.

they weren't my cup of tea, but it would be crime to not celebrate how beautiful these films are. some are visually stunning, some emotionally impactful, some both. either way, they are all shows you should make time to watch.

the work of art list

movie

Riley

my life is infinitely better because these pieces of art exist. they are help lift me out of the darkness, make life more enjoyable, and have some of my most important memories associated with them. they have changed how i see the world, and who i am as a person.

the work of art list

More lists by Riley

the classics

for later

the favorite list