Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple married in Virginia, 1958, are at the center of one of the most touching films of this season. In this real-life story, the two rural Virginians marry in Washington, D.C., before returning to their home state where interracial marriage is illegal. Arrested and taken from their home in the middle of the night, the couple was given a choice: leave Virginia for 25 years, or spend one year in jail. The couple initially did leave, but returned to appeal their court case all the way to the supreme court, resulting in the landmark decision that would decriminalize interracial marriage.

Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton, who play Mildred and Richard respectively, portray the characters with quiet, graceful acting. The pair communicates whole breadths of emotions with only their glances. The acting is understated, yet intense and powerful. The story itself is refreshing; instead of a sweeping movement that a historical drama might typically portray, this movie deals with a small but powerful narrative. Two people who simply want to live, grow, and love each other are thrust into the current of Civil Rights history. Writer and director Jeff Nichols says of the story to WNYC, “This was one of the greatest love stories in American history, and I had no clue about it.”

“Loving” is not only a remarkable story with a shining cast, it is a story that still deeply resonates today. With the recent racially-charged election and the same-sex marriage court decision last year, themes like “love is love” and the perception of race in America intertwine beautifully with this film that is historical and yet still so relevant.

Media courtesy of the Huffington Post