'If Beale Street Could Talk'—A Movie Review

Movie adaptations on books always vary from the opinions of audiences. Some books are not meant to be a film, and others awaken a breathtaking story bringing your favorite characters to life.

If Beale Street Could Talk was written by James Baldwin in 1974. Discovering that she is pregnant, while her dear boyfriend is trapped behind bars, wrongly accused from crime, Tish and Fonny do everything to escape to freedom. No matter how hopeless, the power of love never breaks them apart.

Under the direction of Barry Jenkins, the director for the academy award winning 2016, Moonlight, Jenkins’ steady flow of the story made it an easy film to capture character development and a story being told out of order.

What won me over was the acting. Kiki Lane and Stephen James star in the roles of Tish and Fonny who explore their relationship and learn how to be strong, even when separated behind glass.

I was enthralled by Regina King’s strong and powerful performance as Tish’s bold and loving mother. She very much deserved the Golden Globe for Best Actress! Especially during the scene where Tish and Fonny’s family reveal the news. I just wanted to applaud at the screen for the clenching remarks to stand up to her daughter. That is a Mama Bear.

Beale Street also stars a few other talented individuals, especially Brian Tyree Henry, for a memorable performance in only one short scene delivering an on edge monologue. And Aunjanue Ellis cannot go unmentioned for her one scene performance as Fonny’s religious mother believing it to be a sin for the baby to be born out of wedlock.

Love has many different definitions. Beale Street made the theme of love very believable. And it also handled a very passionate scene with the utmost respect. Shooting those sorts of scenes are tough in films. I commemorate the director for all his creative and sharp ideas for making the adaptation of Beale Street a passionate work for all audiences to enjoy.

The setting and location are beautiful. New York City adds a strong setting for the film. The camera work, however, spun too much trying to capture every element. I don’t feel that was necessary.

Other than setting and acting, Beale Street also has a powerful jazz score and even a beautiful narration from Kiki Lane. Words have an impact on people. Although a contrast, books, and movies are similar. Each stirs a story through words or visuals.

Although a dark subject matter, race has still been in the discussion even after all these years. It’s never going to go away. And we cannot let it disappear. Together we can learn to come together and talk about our challenges and differences. As the film conveys we can never give up hope.

It’s important to build an emotional bond. Not just to the characters, but for the story itself. Beale Street tends to its characters with a helping hand. Of course, we can’t get everything that we want. Life is life. That’s another message I cherish from this film.

View discretion is advised. Audience members are in for a passionate and tender treat. If Beale Street Could Talk pulled at my heartstrings and gave me a beaming smile. A hand goes out to Barry Jenkins for handling a sensitive topic and gifting readers of the book with a wonderful adaption. Well acted, beautiful scenery, and a great message for audiences.

I wonder if we could ever invent a current call for movies? I guess that’s what the academy awards are for. I am excited to see what If Beale Street Could Talk will win for.

Did you enjoy the review? Writing movie reviews have been a passion of mine since I was young. Please, contribute below. I always love going on adventures to movies! More movie reviews are to come in the future!