Director Barry Jenkins‘ (MOONLIGHT) striking visual and narrative style is on full display in his latest work, If Beale Street Could Talk, an adaptation of acclaimed American author James Baldwin‘s timeless and moving novel of the same name. Set in 1970’s Harlem, this love story of both a couple’s unbreakable bond and the African-American family’s empowering embrace is told through the eyes of 19-year-old Tish Rivers (screen newcomer KiKi Layne). Daughter and wife-to-be Tish vividly recalls the passion, respect and trust that have connected her and her artist fiancé Alonzo Hunt, who goes by the nickname Fonny (Stephan James). Friends since childhood, the devoted couple dream of a future together but their plans are derailed when Fonny is arrested for a crime he did not commit. Through the unique intimacy and power of cinema, IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK honors the author’s prescient words and imagery, charting the emotional currents navigated in an unforgiving and racially biased world as the filmmaker poetically crosses time frames to show how love and humanity endure.
Also starring Oscar-winner Regina King (who just took home the Best Supporting Actress trophy for her performance), Diego Luna, and Aunjanue Ellis.
“Much like his previous films as a director, Jenkins’ Beale Street adaptation is a richly layered and beautifully atmospheric work of cinematic poetry.” (Screen Rant)
“This movie works as a timeless romance, a family drama, a legal thriller and a poignant social commentary. A great American novel has been turned into a great American film.” (Chicago Sun-Times)
“Here is a film almost woozy with its own beauty and dignity, a film going transcendently high in the face of a racist world going low.” (Guardian)
Tuesday, March 5
Doors 5:50 pm | Movie 6:20 pm *Please arrive on time!
Advance tickets $10.50 HERE | $12.50 at the door
Monday, March 11
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Final screening!
Advance tickets $10.50 HERE | $12.50 at the door
*Minors permitted in the balcony. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
**Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK! Please redeem at the door.
IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK (Barry Jenkins, 2018 / 120 mins / PG) In early 1970s Harlem, daughter and wife-to-be Tish vividly recalls the passion, respect and trust that have connected her and her artist fiancé Alonzo Hunt, who goes by the nickname Fonny. Friends since childhood, the devoted couple dream of a future together, but their plans are derailed when Fonny is arrested for a crime he did not commit.After her fiance is falsely imprisoned, a pregnant African-American woman sets out to clear his name and prove his innocence.