Loving

Movie Name: Loving
Year of Release: 2016

Director: Jeff Nichols

Stars: Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga, Terri Abney, Will Dalton, Marton Csokas, David Jensen, Bill Camp, Nick Kroll, Matt Malloy, Michael Shannon, Sharon Blackwood

Genre: Drama

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7
View Trailer Here

Synopsis:

Director Jeff Nichols has followed his terrific "Midnight Special", with a more introspective feature, focused on a real civil rights case that occurred in the US in the 60s. The film takes place in Virginia and follows the story of Richard and Mildred, a young couple who decides to get married in Washington DC, when Mildred gets pregnant. Following their marriage, Richard decides to buy a plot of land in the same neighborhood as their families, so they can have a house of their own in that area. They soon find themselves in prison, since it's unlawful for inter-racial couples to wed and live in marital union in Virginia. After a plea bargain and a difficult situation that forces them to move back to DC, they eventually decide to fight the ruling and get the decision overturn.
"Loving" is a film that carries through some of the themes that have made Jeff Nichols' previous films so memorable: the relationship between the central couple is his main focus of attention, against all odds and obstacles that present themselves. The film presents this couple as two people simply trying to live their lives in peace, with a sense of dignity and union. It's also a film that for all its polish and execution, lacks a sense of wonder and discovery, something that both "Mud" and "Midnight Special" had in spades. It's impeccably brought to life, with good performances from both leads, but it's also a film that provides little insight into who these two people were. It provides a bit of insight to the crucial importance their case had they in abolishing a racist law, however it lacks extra depth to show a bit more of who these characters/people were. It's nonetheless a good film, that showcases the talent of Jeff Nichols and cinematographer Adam Stone.