Barry Jenkins, acclaimed for his masterpiece Moonlight, returns with If Beale Street Could Talk, an evocative and visually arresting drama set in 1970s Harlem. The film centers on the tender love story of Tish and Alonzo, two young African Americans navigating the complexities of their relationship amidst the social challenges of the era. While the narrative takes a backseat to atmosphere, Jenkins crafts a movie experience rich in mood and emotion, though at times teetering on the edge of stylistic excess.
Jenkins’ direction in If Beale Street Could Talk showcases a significant artistic evolution. The film unfolds through a series of breathtaking images, captured by a camera that seems to float and observe with an almost ethereal quality. This cinematic approach creates an intensely intimate and romantic ambiance around Tish and Alonzo, portrayed with captivating chemistry. They become beacons of warmth against the backdrop of a sometimes harsh reality. The film’s power lies not primarily in its plot intricacies, which are admittedly somewhat thin, but in its masterful style. Jenkins’ profound ability to convey emotion through visual storytelling is the driving force. The harmonious blend of music, cinematography, and editing culminates in a dreamlike and deeply affecting experience, where the whole is undeniably greater than the individual parts.
However, the very stylistic strengths that make If Beale Street Could Talk so compelling occasionally become its Achilles’ heel. Coming off the heels of Moonlight‘s Best Picture triumph, Jenkins appears to revel in the increased resources, resulting in moments of visual opulence that, while often stunning, sometimes sacrifice narrative momentum and restraint. Certain scenes linger longer than necessary, bordering on self-indulgence. Furthermore, the central romance, while undeniably heartfelt and beautifully acted, occasionally veers into sentimentality. The constant barrage of adoring glances and passionate declarations risks creating a somewhat idealized and syrupy portrayal of love, which slightly diminishes the impact of the weighty social issues at the film’s core.
Despite these minor drawbacks, If Beale Street Could Talk ultimately triumphs due to its undeniable craftsmanship and potent imagery. It’s a film that clearly possesses a deep affection for its characters and a profound commitment to its message. Sadly, the social injustices highlighted in the film remain disturbingly relevant even today, lending a timeless poignancy to this visually rich and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
Solid 4/5
