Barry Jenkins has always delivered offbeat stories with rich and evocative visuals centered on characters and their internal struggles. His style features bold colors, expressive lighting, long takes, close-up compositions, and dynamic camera movements that mirror the film’s emotional pulse.
Making his directorial debut with Medicine for Melancholy (2008), Jenkins portrays communities authentically, emphasizing tender, often unspoken connections and the beauty within struggles.
7 Best Barry Jenkins Movies
-
Moonlight (2016)
Adapted from Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, Moonlight follows young Chiron (Ashton Sanders) as he navigates racism, homophobia, and rigid masculinity. Jenkins uses luminous colors and expressive cinematography to reflect Chiron’s internal state. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017. -
Medicine for Melancholy (2008)
This film explores whether a one-night stand can emotionally connect two people. It also tackles themes of being Black in a gentrifying city. Jenkins uses muted colors and natural light, with fog mirroring the characters’ mental uncertainty. The dialogue is organic and seamlessly shifts between banter and intense moments. -
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Centering on Tish (KiKi Layne) and Fonny (Stephan James), the story follows their love amid Fonny’s wrongful incarceration. Jenkins employs lush saturated colors and picturesque visuals, with cinematographer James Laxton’s use of yellows emphasizing warmth despite adversity. -
The Underground Railroad (2021)
Based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this 10-part mini-series blends historical drama and magical realism. It follows Cora Randall (Thuso Mbedu) escaping slavery while pursued by a relentless slave catcher. Jenkins uses bold palettes and expressive camera movement to heighten emotional impact.See More ...
-
My Josephine (2003)
A poignant short film exploring immigrant love post-9/11, focusing on Aadid and Adela. Jenkins creates a visually poetic atmosphere with soft lighting, muted colors, and picturesque compositions. -
Tall Enough (2009)
This short follows an interracial couple discussing family, culture, and ambitions in Brooklyn. Jenkins uses naturalistic dialogue to explore interracial relationship dynamics and cultural perceptions. -
A Young Couple (2009)
A 13-minute documentary short following John and Jenn as they navigate living together. Jenkins’s observational style highlights shared silences and vulnerability, presenting an authentic look at partnership.
Which is your favorite Barry Jenkins movie?
